Andover’s monthly market is set to return to the town on Sunday 10 March, kick-starting a fresh season of these specially-curated events.
Between 10am to 3pm visitors can look forward to a buzzing atmosphere on the High Street, as the market’s colourful gazebos will pop back up to showcase a range of local traders, street food sellers and artists. The market will be opening every second Sunday of the month until December, with new activities and stalls to look forward to throughout the year.
Second Sundays first launched in June 2022 and was developed by Hemingway Design on behalf of Test Valley Borough Council. Over the past two years 87 emerging and established businesses have traded at the event, including designer/makers, artists, street food sellers, food producers and vintage sellers. The popular markets have generated more than £60k for the local business economy in Andover through trader sales. Second Sundays has also brought a series of free creative family-friendly workshops to the town such as hula-hooping, willow weaving and decoupage. In addition to this, the markets have provided freelance employment opportunities for 12 local artists who have collectively delivered 30 free creative workshops to the local community.
The first market of 2024 will welcome back some familiar faces selling hand-made jewellery, eco-friendly wax melts and original illustrations.
A host of new traders will also be joining the event for the first time to sell goods such as locally distilled gin, artisan cheese and vintage clothing.
Coffee and hot drinks will be available to buy from the Coffee Nut converted horsebox throughout the day and Original Fry Up Material will be serving up freshly cooked hand-pressed burgers and vegan dishes.
The market’s vinyl DJ will be setting the mood with a mix of hip hop, soul and reggae and visitors can take a seat and enjoy a relaxing Sunday, listening to the sounds whilst enjoying a bite to eat.
Those visiting the market between 10am to 1pm will have the chance to pose for a free, quick hand-drawn sketch by local artist Daisy Kate who will be on hand to capture portraits of individuals, families and friends. March’s market falls on Mother’s Day this year, and a bespoke sketch would make for a unique gift or a thoughtful memory to treasure.
Alongside the quick-sketch portraits, everyone can have a go at this month’s creative workshop; the traditional craft of silkscreen-printing and create a spring-inspired greeting card for free or an organic cotton tote bag for a small charge.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Phil North said: “For the past couple of years Second Sundays has brought some really fantastic businesses into Andover. The market is a great space for traders to come and showcase their goods.
“This month’s market already has an exciting line up, with lots of new traders coming along and some new workshops for all ages to try. For anyone that might not have visited Second Sundays yet, I recommend a visit to see some of the best local talent that we have in the region.”
Second Sundays will be open Sunday 10 March, 10am to 3pm on Andover High Street, and every Second Sunday of the month thereafter.
Businesses looking to trade can find out more and apply for a pitch at secondsundaysandover.co.uk and visitors can sign up to the market’s newsletter or follow on Instagram at @seconsundaysandover.
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