Worker Bee Markets, who organise events across Stockport postcodes, will be starting up this month, a great relief to the many local small businesses and sole traders who rely on the markets for their income.
The first outdoor, covid-safe events will be on Saturday 24 April in Reddish and the next two events, in Bramhall on 1 May and Marple Bridge on 22 May will be hot on its heels. With local, friendly, talented artisan makers showcasing their handmade crafts, gifts and fresh produce, the opening of these markets will provide a welcome lifeline and a sigh of relief for small family businesses across Greater Manchester. None have been able to trade for six months (the last market of 2020 was in October, following a stop and start year that saw only seven of the scheduled 23 markets going ahead).
In 2021, there will be monthly markets in Reddish, on the last Saturday of the month, starting on 24 April, taking over an area of the car park of Broadstone Mill Shopping Outlet. Over 40 makers will set up shop from 11am-3pm, selling everything from wood-fired pizza and fresh coffee to iron homeware, silver jewellery and crocheted rainbows.
A week later, the first monthly Bramhall Market on Saturday 1 May, will bring 35 makers to Bramhall Village Square precinct and Ack Lane Car Park. Plenty of parking and independent shops make this a great destination at any time, and particularly on the first Saturday of each month from 10am – 3pm.
As soon as the pubs are allowed to welcome customers indoors, Worker Bee Markets will be back at the friendly, community-focused Windsor Castle Pub in Marple Bridge. On 22 May 10am-2pm, 20+ hand-picked makers will bring fresh produce, crafts and treats to the village, alongside Windsor Castle Fruit and Veg stall, which helped feed the local community all through 2020.
Plans are also afoot to relaunch the delayed Worker Bee Artisan Awards to celebrate and reward the best local artisan makers and traders, as well as the most welcoming venues. Snapes Estate Agent have kindly agreed to continue to support this important acknowledgement of the hard work and resilience shown by talented traders.
