Marlborough Communties Market

Marlborough Communities Market, taking place on the 1st Sunday of the month, championing local producers and makers.

Started in July 2012, the market goes from strength to strength with a loyal following and becoming something of a destination for those seeking a day out.  With some great street food traders alongside our Farmers’ section and offering a wide range of crafts and artisanal products, the market is a welcome addition to the twice weekly general market that runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year.

Working closely with Transition Marlborough, the Town and Wiltshire Council’s, the market was started due to the demise of  long-standing Farmers’ Market that had taken place in the Town Hall for the past  13 years.  Rebranded as a community market, we run as a not for profit, social enterprise for the benefit of the community and have been lucky to retain a few of the farmers’ that traded before, alongside many newcomers.

The aims and objectives of Marlborough Communities Market are very much centred around Transition Principles of positive visioning, inclusion and openness. Building resilience for communities against the effects of peak oil is key, in addition to the belief that rather than decision making and control being centralised, people and communities should be empowered through knowledge and systems thinking to self-organise and make decisions at the appropriate level.

They encourage entrepreneurs and start-ups though our Table for a Tenner scheme, where new businesses can test-trade for a year for just £10 per market before committing to the full pitch fee.  Likewise they are keen to encourage young traders and offer incentives to people aged between 16-25.

There is a great deal of energy at the market with lots going on and are always keen to encourage live music, talks, demonstrations, tastings, rural skills workshops while the craftspeople and artists create some products on-site, which can be found in the low energy, transition part of the market.

Please do get in touch if you would like to get involved, otherwise they would love to see you in Marlborough High Street, opposite Waitrose on the first Sunday of the month where you can always be sure of a warm welcome.