Stanley Park Market set to return this week

Launching on Wednesday 19 March, the weekly market will run between 9am and 3pm until mid-December.

To mark the start of the new season, beloved local award-winning actor, comedian and freeman of Liverpool Ricky Tomlinson will cut the ribbon at 9.30 on the opening day.

Its return is closely followed by the spring edition of St George’s Hall Artisan Market, which takes place four days later.

Stanley Park Market’s inaugural year saw the market double in size from its initial 50 stalls.

Its growing success was celebrated at this year’s Great British Market Awards, where it took home the title of Best Community Market.

The market will be held every Wednesday, except when there are evening football matches or concerts held at Goodison Park or Anfield Stadium, as the site is reserved for those events.

Each week, there will be up to 100 stalls selling items including fresh local produce, clothing, homeware, toys, and more. Visitors can also choose from lots of hot food and drink stalls, with plenty of seating available.

Throughout the year, the market will host a variety of community groups and other local organisations to support people with their health and wellbeing. Last year this included special set ups by Everton in the Community and social care initiatives.

Continuing the theme of local craft being on show, Sunday 23 March sees the return of an artisan market at the Grade 1 listed St George’s Hall. The free market launched last year and has already attracted thousands of visitors.

Taking place between 10am and 4.30pm, people will be able to browse almost 70 stalls, offering the likes of homemade jewellery, artwork, artisan chocolate, and specialist drinks. The market will also be home to several hot street food vendors and live music performances throughout the day.

Liverpool is home to many beloved markets, from the weekly Great Homer Street Market (Greatie Market) to a regular programme of farmers and craft markets.

Louise Pritchard, owner of Just Bee Gorgeous said:

“I am really looking forward to taking my stall ‘Just Bee Gorgeous’ to both Stanley Park and St George’s Hall, once again this year.

“Last year Stanley Park market had a fantastic community feel to it, because it was a place where people could meet up with their neighbours, family and friends, do a spot of shopping and also have a bite to eat, choosing from the impressive and reasonably-priced food options available.

“St George’s Hall artisan market is held less frequently (roughly every quarter) but WOW is it worth the wait, because what a backdrop! Everyone is impressed by the stunning surroundings, and it is just the perfect venue to host an artisan market, where there is such a wealth of talent on display. What a great way for small businesses to showcase their work.

“It is crucial to support your local small businesses because they are the life-blood of all communities. Your custom means so much more to a small business owner than to a giant multi-national corporation and could be the difference between being able or being unable to afford a sports kit for a child, fund medical expenses or even just pay for a short break for the family. Apart from the financial aspect, you are supporting someone’s dream which is fantastic.”