Tenterden Creative Market
The first Creative Market in Tenterden was held on Saturday 10 October 2020
Press report: Bill Ferguson
There is a lot of talk these days about “helping the high street”. Yesterday’s Creative Market in Tenterden showed what can be done with some help and a lot of good will.
We wanted to provide something of value to the community, something to ease the doom and gloom and to demonstrate that even in these challenging times, the heart of Tenterden is still beating. We were just four individuals who wanted to do something for the High Street, the businesses, the shops, the cafes and everyone who lives here.
Despite the masks, the one-way system, the social distancing and the hand sanitisers the shoppers were cheery and enthusiastic and very supportive. And they came in numbers: over the day; 1209 of them. There was a lovely atmosphere as the public and the creative community mingled.
The event showcased 18 stallholders from the surrounding area. Offering a variety of artisan crafts to buy - metal work, stained glass, cards, jewellery, ceramics, bags, boxes, turned wooden items, key fobs, candles, flowers, natural beauty products, quality gifts and presents.
Some comments from the Stallholders: “The best market ever.” “Sales did really well, such a surprise.” “When's the next one?”
And it wasn’t just the market that was busy, High Street shops and cafes benefitted too from the increased footfall. "Best Saturday since last year's Christmas Market", said one café owner.
"Wow what a busy day, it felt like a pre-covid Saturday. So lovely seeing customers out shopping and embracing the new normal”, agreed one High Street shopkeeper.
Huge thanks to our supporters: Pierre Edmonds let us use Market Square, Tenterden Town Council let us borrow tables and barriers and Roger from the maintenance team. Jane from Flossy Watts organised the stallholders, James looked after admin, Sue from My Tenterden did marketing and graphics and with Stuart, all four took care of stewarding. It was a well-run event, everyone felt safe with plenty spacing and good ventilation. Even the sun was shining.
