New charge to enter popular Penkridge Christmas market

The market is held in Penkridge annually, towards the end of November.

Last year, it attracted more than 10,000 visitors, making it the busiest and most successful event in the market’s history.

Amazed

Market manager Matt Williams said: “We were amazed and delighted by how busy the event was last year, and the feedback from customers and stall holders was great.

“We now want to make it even bigger and better this year but we also realise with increased visitor numbers, comes increased pressures on areas such as parking.

“So this year, we have decided to make some changes to the infrastructure on site, to improve the event for everyone.

“For the first time, we will charge a small admission fee for the event – £2 for adults and free for children.

“This will enable us to employ a professional security company to manage the car parking system, so that people will be able to park much more efficiently from now on. The event will also start an hour earlier, which will spread the number of visitors arriving across the afternoon.

“It will also make it much more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.”

Extend

Organisers have decided to increase the number of stalls this year, to offer visitors a wider selection of products.

Mr Williams added: “We are hoping to extend our range and number of stalls, by approximately a third, taking our total number of stalls to 150, which is the most we’ve ever had. This will give visitors a greater variety of unique and hand-made products, such as local food and crafts, improving their shopping experience.

“We will also have additional entertainment, to keep the children amused and a local choir to add atmosphere.”

This year’s market will be held noon to 7pm, on November 24.

The main markets run every Wednesday and Saturday, hosting up to 100 stalls selling thousands of products.

For further information about the market, call 01785 714221 or log onto the website penkridgemarket.co.uk