Located in one of the UK’s oldest border settlements, Oswestry has a longstanding history of markets with the first recorded market formed some 800 years ago. Markets continue to be held every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and here you will find a collection of bespoke businesses selling everything from fresh cakes and bread, to antiques and gifts.
It’s ‘Love Your Local Market’ fortnight, which takes place from Friday 12th May to Saturday 27th May 2023 in over 25 countries. As well as a celebration of markets, one of the key aims of the campaign is to offer opportunities for new businesses to try market trading for free or at a discounted rate.
The international launch took place over the weekend jointly in France and Germany with 3,000 local markets represented and in Oswestry, our town markets have some special events lined up.
On Wednesday 17th May, Oswestry Town Markets has a Youth Market planned with stalls run by North Shropshire College and Oswestry School in addition to the usual Wednesday Indoor and Outdoor markets. Oswestry Town Council has worked in partnership with local schools and colleges to take part and this is a great opportunity for young people to experience retailing and learn some great sales and customer service skills. Oswestry Town Mayor, Councillor Olly Rose, will be there in addition to NABMA (National Association British Markets Authority) Chief Executive, David Preston.
On Friday 26th May, there is a special ‘Grow Your Own’ gardening event alongside the monthly Artisan Market. There will be free advice on seed sowing, growing vegetables, making compost, planting hanging baskets, flower arranging, plants for sale and free seed planting for the children. Oswestry in Bloom, The Garden Society, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Shropshire Hardy Plants Society, and local allotments will all be there.
This will be a busy market as the monthly Artisan Street Market and late-night Indoor Market will also be on. Oswestry’s Artisan Market sells the best in local produce such as fresh pies, pastries, gifts, crafts, cheeses, cakes and much more. There is always something interesting to tempt you. The Indoor Market will also be open into the evening with food, drinks and music.
Oswestry Town Markets will also have a special outdoor Charity Market on Friday the 2nd of June with free stalls for participating charities. Charities can use these stalls to raise awareness, offer advice, recruit volunteers, raise funds or however they wish. The Qube, Oswestry Youth Forum, Oswestry Town Council’s Free Loft Insulation Team, Severn Hospice, Music MOB, Oswestry Guide Digs, Hector’s Greyhound Rescue and Shropshire Wildlife Trust will all be there among many others. For further enquiries on Oswestry Town Markets, visit https://www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk/markets/our-markets.html.
