Popular craft market returns to South Shields this summer

Talented local artists and craftspeople are being invited to South Tyneside to sell their unique or handcrafted products with a stall at the fair at Harton Quays Park.

The markets will run on the first Sunday of every month from May to September, from 10.30am to 3pm.

Whether their talents lie in ceramic, glass, textiles, jewellery, metal, mixed media, recycled materials, painting or photography, budding artists, designers, small businesses and students are encouraged to get in touch as soon as possible if they would like a pitch as a high demand for stalls is expected.

Coun Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “Our Harton Quays Park Craft Markets were held throughout the summer of last year and were a marvellous success.

“The markets were extremely well attended by visitors eager to browse the wealth of products on offer from traders selling everything from gourmet goodies to handmade jewellery, accessories, crafts, decorations and more.

“This year, the craft markets will return to run all summer with one each month and once again, we hope to attract a wide range of traders to get involved. We are expecting strong demand for the stalls on offer and have already had lots of interest from local businesses. We would encourage interested traders to book their place early to avoid disappointment.”

The craft markets follow on from the success of last summer’s events at Harton Quays Park and the Christmas Fair at Haven Point, which were organised by South Tyneside Council in partnership with ‘changing places, changing lives’ charity Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle.

Andrew Watts, Executive Director of Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle, said: “Once again Groundwork is delighted to be helping to organise and run the markets on behalf of South Tyneside Council for the third year running. They are a great way for local crafts people to display and sell their products. Not only can visitors see and buy local crafted items, but the markets are held in a beautiful, open space with stunning riverside views, which is also a real draw.

“So far, we have lined up an eclectic mix of local businesses, which will allow visitors to browse and buy from a great range of products. I hope other businesses will seize this fantastic opportunity to also show off their wares and apply before the deadline cut off.

“Our past markets have proved very popular and have always been very well supported by people from across the region, which is excellent for everyone involved.

“Groundwork and South Tyneside Council have an excellent partnership of working together to organise these craft markets. They are a fantastic opportunity for us to support local businesses, and help to boost the local economy during the peak summer season.”

Harton Quays Park is located along the riverside between South Shields Ferry landing and The Customs House.

The markets are taking place on Sunday 1 May, 5 June, 3 July, 7 August and 4 September.

Stalls are available for £20 a day, however if interested applicants commit to all five dates, they will receive one day free.

The Harton Quays Park Craft Markets form part of the wider programme of events, activities and entertainment taking place as part of this year’s South Tyneside Festival.

Those who would like to apply for a stall at the markets at Harton Quays Park and would like to request an application form should contact Nicola Campbell on (0191) 428 1144, email [email protected] or by post, Nicola Campbell, Marketing and Community Engagement Officer, The Eco Centre, Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, NE31 1SR.

The closing date for applications is Monday 14 March. Applications received after this date may not be considered.

For more information about the Harton Quays Craft Markets or wider summer events programme in South Tyneside, visit South Tyneside Council’s website at www.southtyneside.info/whatson