Liverpool's new Big Kahuna Market to launch at New Mersey Shopping Park

Liverpool is set to welcome a brand-new outdoor market this weekend showcasing high-end British brands, led by local entrepreneur Craig Smith.

The Big Kahuna Market is set to debut at New Mersey Shopping Park on Saturday, 31 August, opening to the public at 9:30am.

Craig opened his first Big Kahuna food stall at Great Homer Street Market 16 years ago and now runs a successful market equipment and street food catering business for clients across the UK. He is now also the driving force behind the new Big Kahuna Market at New Mersey Shopping Park.

The market will comprise 20 pagoda-style stalls selling everything from food to high-end fashion and jewellery. There will be competitions, giveaways and special promotions running throughout the event.

A buzzing atmosphere is promised with buskers and other acts delivering live performances during the day. Visitors can enjoy what organisers describe as ‘sensational Caribbean culinary delights’ as well as a wide range of other food including cakes, doughnuts, pies and chutneys.

Taking centre stage with an exhibition unit at the centre of the market space will be a glittering diamond showcase operated by Liverpool-based jewellery retailer, Say It With, which has an outlet in Metquarter. It is staging a special one-day only offer of 15% off for visitors.

It has also been announced that the latest collection from Lola Starr, the sought-after British activewear brand, will be launched exclusively on the opening day.

Liverpool-born Craig said:

“Having started out at the Greatie Market all those years ago and helped to set up street food markets and events for the likes of Battersea Power Station, Westfield London and the Trafford Centre, markets are in my blood. I was over the moon when New Mersey Shopping Park offered me the chance to bring my idea of the Big Kahuna Market to life in Speke.

“We have chosen to model each stall in a similar pagoda style to create a high-end environment and we have included a stand-out exhibition space where brands can launch new products or deliver campaign activations. We hope this will complement the quality offer of the individual traders and combine to generate high footfall for everyone across the site.

“Our vision is for a unique blend of a traditional market space enhanced by a range of more contemporary elements to create a real sense of experience that people will want to return to, time and again. It’s going to be a brilliant day. There’s something for everyone from gifts to food and clothing and a lot of items you wouldn’t find in a traditional market or on the high street, so it’s well worth coming down.”

A growing list of stallholders includes men’s sportswear brand Marelle, Nanny Pearl’s Caribbean food, Mama Soods chutneys, Pie Smiths, Getyermacaron macaroons, Sparkles Studio Boutique, Decent Donuts, Lost Dock Rum, Kachina Holistics, Beekind wood products, Pens and Needles children’s personalised clothes, Haus of Irida and local charity Love Jasmine.

The Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC Liverpool) has supported the initiative, which is expected to have a significant economic impact in the area.

Russell Hall from New Mersey Shopping Park, said:

“Craig is a talented Liverpool entrepreneur with an impressive track record and a national reputation. He has come up with a brilliant concept.

“The Big Kahuna Market represents an exciting new offer to New Mersey Shopping Park, and Craig has created a fantastic opportunity for many other Liverpool traders which will generate economic benefits to the area. We are delighted to be working with Craig on such an important and worthwhile initiative and are very much looking forward to the grand opening.”