Ay-up, look what’s back!

THE popular Ay-up Market returns to Nottingham city centre for its third year later this month.

With 60 independent stallholders, it will be bigger and better than ever.

Organised and funded by It’s in Nottingham, the city’s business improvement district, with support from Nottingham City Council, it will take place in Old Market Square from Friday to Sunday, April 26-28.

Last year’s market featured than 50 vendors selling goods from food and drink to arts and crafts, giving independent retailers and creatives, both bricks and mortar and online, a unique trading platform.

This year visitors can look forward to freshly baked goods, sweet treats, fine wine and liquors, vintage clothing, plants, skincare, homeware, arts, and crafts, handmade jewellery and pet accessories.

Businesses taking part include Amber Cooper-green, Beeston Brownies, Dukki, Handmade Nottingham, Hey Luka, Just Jo Design, Moonbuns, Naomi Grace Ceramics, Shapes from the Earth, Snail and Rabbit, Stewarts Coffee, Wiff Waff Designs and Wild Clothing.

Bryony Selway, founder and coowner of Happy Sunday Vintage, home to colourful vintage fashion, and kitsch homeware, said: “We’re really excited to be part of this year’s Ay-up Market.

The Christmas market at Nottingham Castle was a huge success for us, and a beautiful event to be part of, so we have high hopes for our weekend at the Ay-up Market.

“It’s always such a joy to be trading alongside Nottingham’s best creatives and independents. We have such a thriving community, and these events are a godsend for small businesses when times are tough.

“We’re lucky to have It’s in Nottingham advocating for small independents and creating these bright and bustling events for us to participate in - long may it continue!”

Alongside the stalls, the event will feature live music on the main stage, arranged by Trekkah, in collaboration with Phlexx Records.

There will be performances from the Nottingham Asian Arts Council, City Arts, and the Brazilian Culture Centre, as well as family activities including hook-a-duck, candy-floss cart, free face painting and balloon modelling.

Local creative Sarah Manton, in collaboration with Grow Notts, will be hosting free creative workshops throughout the weekend which are open to all.

Food and drink from around the world will be available at Old Market Square. You’ll find cuisines from Malaysia to Sri Lanka, with traders such as the award-winning Syioklah, Colombo Street, Memsaab and Spice Cay. You can also indulge in treats from The Pudding Pantry and The Wandering Tea Company.

Blue Monkey Brewery will be serving its award-winning beers, and spirits.

Alex Flint, CEO of It’s in Nottingham said: “We are delighted to announce the return of the Ay-up Market for its third year.

“The market will feature a wide range of stalls and offer a platform for community groups and creatives from Nottingham to present their art, dance, and music to an expanded audience.

“Visitors will have the chance to explore the market, as well as experience the vibrant cultural offerings.

“This event is open to all and requires no entrance fee.”

Councillor Pavlos Kotsonis, portfolio holder for leisure and culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s great to see the Ay-up Market return for its third year to shine a light on Nottingham’s brilliant independent traders.

“With a huge range of stallholders and free performances and activities for all, we’re looking forward to welcoming lots of visitors.”

The Ay-up Market will be open from 11am to 6pm on April 26, 10am to 6pm on April 27 and 10am to 5pm on April 28. Entry is free.