Hopes to save 'dying' Sheringham market with new makers market

Sheringham market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the North Norfolk District Council (NNDC)-owned Station Road car park.

But such markets in decline across the country - and Sheringham’s Wednesday event is no exception.

Fewer traders are attending the weekly sales, which has resulted in a falling number of stalls and the market becoming half the size it used to be.

Now, the traders are fighting to rescue the event - with plans to create a bustling ‘makers market’ to breathe new life into midweek trade.

Sheringham market (Image: Adam Barker)

READ MORE: Plans to relaunch Sheringham market after fears it could be lost

Marc Wye-Harris, who has been a trader at Sheringham market for more than 30 years, said he had his fellow traders were working with the council to create an "improved and varied" market experience and attract more stalls.

Mr Wye-Harris, who owns the Book Heaven stall, said: “There’s still a very good opportunity for traders to sell here at Sheringham market.

“We want to rebrand as a makers market, bringing together our current traditional market with new craft traders, and food and drink stalls.”

Marc Wye-Harris (Image: Adam Barker)

Kerry Smith, who runs a homeware and gift stall, said it has been a slow start to the season at the town's marketplace.

“It’s a shame because this is our livelihoods,” she said.

“I hear people come through the market and say how much it has shrunk in recent years.”

Kerry Smith (Image: Adam Barker)

Another trader, who did not want to be named, said the market is an essential part of the “overall experience” of visiting Sheringham.

“Market trading is a dying game,” the trader said.

“Back in the 1970s and 80s traders would sometimes take home £1,000 in a day – now some traders are lucky to get £200.

“This market needs to be valued again.”

Sheringham market used to stretch all the way to the end of the Station Approach car park (Image: Adam Barker)