There’s cause for celebration this February, as Ruddington Village Market marks its third birthday. Since its launch in 2019, the market has grown from 15 stalls and a few hundred visitors at The White Horse Inn, to over 65 stalls of quality food, drink and crafts on The Green every month. It now attracts shoppers from all over the region, making it the largest market of its kind in the county.
As a project of the award-winning Ruddington Village Centre Partnership (RVCP), the market has grown in many other ways, too. Initiatives include a Young Entrepreneurs Programme to mentor 16 to 30 year olds into market stall businesses) a partnership with the Trent Bridge Trust’s YouNG Project to offer under 16s the chance to trade), an electrical repair service in tandem with Illumination Repairs CIC, and regular live music and entertainment.
Mike Ader, Chair of RVCP, said “The market has certainly gone from strength to strength and is now a firm and favourite monthly fixture. Its popularity has brought thousands of people into the village which is superb for all the traders, not just on market day but throughout the rest of the month. It has without doubt encouraged new businesses to come to the village and has increased the community spirit and vibrancy of Ruddington.”
2022 also sees the start of a new phase for the market, with RVCP funding new Market Manager and Social Media Administrator roles. Mike added, “The market’s success has also now enabled us to engage and pay for two local people to both orchestrate its management and run its social media pages, helping to make the event more sustainable in the long term.”
Ruddington Village Market’s third birthday takes place on Saturday 5th February from 9am until 12.30pm. To find out more, follow @ruddingtonvillagemarket on Facebook and Instagram.
Mark Pinks, RVCP