Excitement over new market for independents

The very best of Bath’s art, jewellery, textiles and mouthwatering food and drink is being brought together in a brand new venue for the Bath Independent Market.

The first market will be held on Saturday, November 20 from 11am until 4pm, at the Museum of Bath at Work, in Julian Road.

“Our first little market is set to be something very special indeed,” said Heidi Roxton, who dedicated her time to empowering Bath’s independent traders after seeing how many were suffering during lockdown.

There will be a local resident disc jockey, quality art, prints, ceramics, jewellery, retro, vintage, yoga mats and bolsters, furniture, African textiles, children’s clothes and toys, artisan delights, street food, local imperial pale ale, gin, mulled cider and much more.

Guest charity Mind will attend and will be giving a talk about mental health and the professional support which is available to everyone.

“It’s not just about what’s available on the day, but it’s the opportunity to meet the makers, the artists, the owners of independent businesses and for them to meet you.

“I don’t know about you, but I miss the good old days of the Walcot Street Market in the tramshed,” said Heidi. “It was the highlight of the week.”

“People coming together throughout the day to be under one roof to trade, buy, talk, eat, and to connect, whether we realised it or not, a sense of belonging, a community.”

“It was unpretentious and not designed so much for tourists, great if you knew, but it was lovely to have that breather from the hustle and bustle of the city centre at weekends,” she said.

“Yes, I know I can’t recreate that moment in time, but I can have a damn good go at bringing us together.

“I know for a fact we have some brilliant characters on board for this take-off, which excites me to the max. Who knows you may even make some new friends!”

The first Bath Independent Market will be held on Saturday, November 20, 11am-4pm at the Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road, Bath, BA1 2RH.