Organisers of Ruddington Village Market are planning something of a celebration this February – as the popular, monthly event celebrates its third birthday.
Whilst it might seem like only yesterday, in fact its launch was way back in February 2019. Since then, the market has grown from 15 stalls and a few hundred visitors at The White Horse Inn, to an anticipated 74 stalls of quality food, drink and crafts on The Green when it returns from its ‘winter break’ on Saturday February 5th 2022. 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, says: “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 event, with RVCP funding a couple of new roles. Mike explains: “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.”
RVCP’s Charity of the Month this February will be the RSPB, and there’ll be live music from Ruddington guitar soloist Mark James.
Meantime, a raffle is being held to win a special ‘3rd Birthday Cake’ made by The Ruddington Cake Company. Tickets cost £1 and all proceeds will go to village charity Bloomin’ Dementia. You will be able to buy your tickets from RVCP’s Welcome Tent on market day itself but, if you want to get in there early, they’re also on sale NOW in our village centre at:
- The Bottle Top
- Perkins Hardware
- The Frame Breakers
- Phoenix Flowers
- The White Horse
The cake draw will be held at noon during the February Market. You’ll need to be able to collect your prize from Ruddington if you’re not going to be there.
The full list of stall holders for this month – and where to find them – is available >>HERE<<.
Ruddington Village’s 3rd Birthday Market takes place on Saturday 5th February from 9.00am until 12.30pm. We’ll give you full details of all the stall holders and other attractions at RUDDINGTON.info/events a couple of days beforehand.
