Market returns this weekend
RELIEVED traders will be making a long-awaited return to Newcastle’s Quayside Market for the first time in 2021 this weekend.
The Sunday market has been unable to open since December due to lockdown measures, but will be back on April 18.
And while the popular weekly event will only be able to operate at 50% capacity to start with, news of its comeback has come as a massive relief to its collection of local, independent traders.
Poppy Solari, who runs a vintage clothes stall at the market, said: “We are only going to be there every other weekend to start with, but it is better than nothing.
“It is essential now, we can’t keep going the way we have. This is vital income for us every week that we have not had for months.
“Hopefully the Quayside Market will be back to its full glory soon.
“I think it will do well because of the fact that people probably don’t want to be going indoors.”
Social distancing restrictions mean the market will only have room for half of its usual traders, with businesses allowed to trade on alternate weeks at the 60 stalls.
Security marshals will be told to disperse crowds if the market gets too busy and shoppers must wear a face covering and are encouraged to use hand sanitiser stations.
The Quayside Market will be open between 9am and 4pm each Sunday.
Michelle Percy, the council’s director of place, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the buzz returning to the city as more and more businesses have been able to reopen, and the Quayside Market is certainly a welcome addition in terms of supporting the reopening of our city.”