Date issued: 19 November 2019
Starting on 27 November, Colchester Charter Market will begin a trial of holding an additional market day on Wednesdays in Lion Walk, Colchester.
The launch will coincide with the Lion Walk Christmas Light Switch-On which will take place 5-8pm on Wednesday 27 November. The event will include a range of activities and entertainment for all ages, including a visit from Father Christmas, an Elsa, Olaf and Anna production and fireworks, to name a few.
The Wednesday market will operate from 10am to 8pm initially until 18 December.
The decision to trial an additional Market Day on Wednesdays is part of a number of changes which have been agreed to enhance the market. Other agreed changes to the Charter Market include:
- Trialling the Saturday market in Lion Walk, Colchester
- Allowing stall holders to use their own stalls providing they meet appropriate safety requirements.
- Reducing the Colchester High Street Market Pitch to £25 per pitch and offering special offers for pitches when relevant.
Friday’s market will continue to operate in the High Street as usual.
Councillor Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “During our consultation with the market traders about ways to enhance the market, there was strong support for trialling extra weekday trading.
“It’s great that we have been able to work with Lion Walk to implement a trial of a Wednesday market so quickly and especially in the run up to Christmas. Holding an additional market day will help the Market to thrive and enhance the traders and shoppers Christmas shopping experience in Colchester.”
Martin Leatherdale, Lion Walk Shopping Centre Manager, said “We again delivered positive year on year footfall in October, when considering the U.K. is down -5%, this is a phenomenal performance from Lion Walk.
“It’s great to see the collaboration with Colchester Borough Council continue to go from strength to strength. Even more great news for us, is that we now support the town and our community to deliver a brand-new market on a Wednesday.
“This launch is extra special because it coincides with the first late night shopping as well as Lion Walk’s Christmas market launch, light switch-on and fireworks display. Lion Walk’s light switch on and market launch will be supported by Elsa and Anna, Father Christmas and his elf, blind veteran march, live music, theatre and dance schools and so much more.”
To find out more about Colchester Market, visit www.colchester.gov.uk/markets, like its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ColchMarket or follow its Twitter and Instagram accounts: @colchmarket
To find out more about Lion Walk’s Christmas Lights Switch-On extravaganza, please visit: www.lionwalkshopping.com/christmas-light-switch-on
Page last reviewed: 19 November 2019