Hartlepool market ‘going from strength to strength’ after post-lockdown return

The monthly market on the Marina returned last month after not being able to trade for months on end due to lockdown restrictions – and organisers have said there is new interest from traders “every day”.

There are 35 stalls at the market currently, with a “handful” of new ones joining the shopping event on Saturday.

A wide range of goods is on offer, including speciality tea, artisan gin and vodka, clothing, jewellery and collectables, as well as Chinese and Indian street food.

Market operator Fiona Harnett said: "It’s great for people to come down and support North-East independent traders after such a hard year last year.

"It’s our second time back after the lockdown. It’s great to be back.

"We are looking for another busy, sunny day, with loads of people shopping and enjoying it.

"There’s loads of new traders as well, because loads of people have been taking up loads of hobbies over the lockdown.

“There’s a lot more crafters and bakers, so there’s lots of exciting new stalls.

"It’s getting bigger and better each time.”

Hartlepool Maritime Market was among other non-essential businesses in the town welcoming customers back last month.

Non-essential shops and outdoor hospitality reopened on April 12 in line with the Government’s road map to lifting lockdown and Hartlepool’s weekly outdoor market returned on Thursday, April 29.

Fiona has said the first day the Maritime market was able to operate last month was ‘fantastic’ and praised people for sticking to social distancing guidelines.

She said: "It was fantastic. Everyone was very careful to be socially-distanced. People were very mindful.”

Looking forward to Saturday’s event, Fiona added: “It’s looking to be sunny, so everyone’s really excited.

"There’s loads of tasty food, fresh produce. We’ve got a florist selling flowers and plants.

"We’ve got clothing, we’ve got jewellery, art.

"The museum is open as well.

"I think the market has been going from strength to strength. We get new interest every day.”

The market, which started in April 2019, is from 9am till 3.30pm at Jackson Dock.

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