‘Stall’ good at first ever winter market
Organisers have said that they are delighted with the success of the first winter market to be held in Alyth Bowling and Tennis Club at the weekend.
Saturday’s event, which was attended by around 900 people over the course of the day, followed on from a successful community market held in the town in July.
Around 35 vendors – many of whom were also at a summer market in Alyth – had signed up to take part, offering a wide variety of local produce.
Among the returning vendors were local craftspeople and artists, artisan bakers, craft brewers, cider makers and chocolatiers.
The winter market featured both indoor and outdoor stalls, free food and drink and vegan food tasting, and free face-painting.
Eleanor Whipps was one of the organisers of the event.
She said: “It was a fantastic day. “This was the first time that we have ever had a winter market here.
“Obviously the weather in the run up to the market meant we were worried about how it might go so we were absolutely over the moon with the turnout.
“Some of our vendors couldn’t make it due to the road closures or illness but we still had 35 stalls and everyone seemed to be busy – the face-painter was inundated!
“We had quite a few vendors from the summer market as well as 12 new vendors and we had a waiting list of another 20 which shows how popular it has been.
“The vendors that were here were all delighted, and we’ve decided to hold another summer market on Saturday, July 22, 2023.”
Eleanor added: “The event was organised by Alyth Development Trust’s community action plan steering group in response to the community asking for markets and events in the town as part of the community action plan, and we are delivering on that, fulfilling the needs of the residents of Alyth.
“Lots of work goes into planning and setting up events like this so it is nice that people come along particularly on a cold and wet day - and that it is appreciated.
“As well as locals we had people come from Lintrathen, Kirriemuir, Kilry and Blairgowrie with stallholders from Perth, Blair Atholl and Carnoustie as well as more locally.
“Local businesses did well and benefitted from increased footfall.
“I’d like to thank all the stallholders, everyone who came along, and all the volunteers who contributed to making the event another great success – everyone who helped set up, posted on social media, the Scouts for lending us their tables, Grant and the Games Square crew who were wonderful.
“Everyone was really friendly and helpful and it was another great day.”
Iain Donaldson from Alyth Community Council was also at the market.
He said: “It was an extremely successful event and the organisers are to be congratulated.
“We were fortunate that the weather was not too bad on the day, particularly after the torrential rain of the previous few days.
“There was a tremendous mixture of stalls and the market was well attended, it was extremely popular and another well-organised occasion for the town.”