Howzat for some Christmas spirit?
A CHRISTMAS Market has been organised at Derbyshire County Cricket Club this month, arranged by an Ashbourne woman who brought 500 people to a summer market at an Ashbourne pub earlier this year.
The event, which will take place on Sunday, November 21, from 10am to 4pm, has been organised by Chloe Conway, a conveyancer from Ashbourne, and the owner of Midlands Markets.
The festive market will bring around 40 independent businesses to the Nottingham Road venue to sell a number of products, including scented candles and jewellery. Other stalls will sell items including handmade clothing for babies, handmade soaps and mince pies.
There will also be food and drink vendors, including a horsebox trailer which will serve mulled wine and Christmas cocktails, El Capo’s pizza and Delicacy of South Asia.
Speaking about what inspired her to organise the market, the 26-year-old said: “I love supporting small businesses when I can.
“I love when people make things and put time and effort into them, it shows that little bit of extra thought and care. I also love going to markets, whether its Christmas-themed or like the ones in Chatsworth and scouting stuff out.
“I thought, especially after lockdown, businesses big and small have suffered a lot, and with things opening back up, small businesses are getting forgotten again, so this is the perfect way to get them some exposure.”
While this is the first Christmas market Chloe has organised, the summer market she held in July, at the Bubble Inn near Kniveton, saw a turnout of around 500 people.
She said that having so many people turn out to her event was a surreal experience, and is hoping for an even bigger turnout this month.
She will also impose any public health measures to her event if social distancing is reintroduced.
Entry to the market is £2 per person, but under-12s can go for free.
Chloe says she now aspires to put on three markets a year, during the festive period, the spring months and the summer.
The market has been sponsored by two small businesses, Empire Ink and the Beauty and Laser Loft.
For more information visit www.midlandsmarkets.co.uk