'Unique' new market with 80 traders to take over St George's Hall

A new market will take over one of Liverpool's most famous buildings for Father's Day.

More than 80 independent businesses will come together for the market at St George's Hall on Sunday, June 16. The market will include food from different cuisines, a 'fizz bar' and 60 artists, makers and distillers.

Traders have shared their excitement at being a part of the new market which is being run by Liverpool City Council. Entry to the market is free and it will be open from 10.30am-4.30pm on June 16.

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Local art and textile artist, Sandra Hepworth, 78, has been trading at farmers' markets with Liverpool City Council for around 20 years. She is particularly excited to be taking part in the market at St George's Hall, in a building that's full of history.

Sandra told the ECHO: "It's a beautiful place, the history is amazing. It will be so worth going [to the market] and the quality of the artists is just a huge bonus.

"I have done markets on Lark Lane, Allerton Road, Woolton, the Palm House - the Palm House is fabulous. I love doing the markets because being an artist is quite a lonely thing.

"I am on a sewing machine all the time and work at home. I'm no good in a workshop because I make too much noise, so markets and events mean I can interact with people and talk to other traders and the public.

"When you have been doing it regularly you get to know people and you get a regular spot at the market, which means you can build a personal relationship with the people you are selling to - they can put a face to the picture - in a market it is a personal thing.

"When children come you see them grow up and they know who you are, even the dogs know who you are as well."

Stephen Ellis, who co-owns Coco Baroque, with business partner Steve Renshaw, will also take part in the market. Coco Baroque is an artisan chocolatiers and bakery at 240 Smithtown Road.

The business started out trading on famers' markets in 2013, before the Smithdown Road shop opened its doors two months ago.

Stephen said: "Liverpool has been the home of the business since day one and the farmers' markets have been the backbone of what we have been doing. They allowed us to build up a loyal customer base that then allowed us to carry over into the shop.

"Markets are a great way to feel part of a community especially when you have been doing them as long as we have, you get to know everyone and look forward to seeing the people that come to the specific market."

"I'm a big fan of St George's Hall but I have never done a farmers' market there. It's a wonderful location and we are very excited for it.

"Farmers' markets are very important for independent businesses, it's an excellent way for small businesses to start out. Community is the right word for it, you get to know all the different owners who come to the markets and there is that community aspect to it."

A spokesperson for Liverpool City Council: "We’re really looking forward to bringing a new market into Liverpool’s historic St George’s Quarter. The plateau and St John’s Gardens have been the home to our popular Christmas market for a number of years so it will be great to see stallholders at the Hall during the summer months.

"We had a fantastic response to the call out for traders that we issued in May and we can’t wait to welcome them on Father’s Day along with plenty of shoppers who are looking to enjoy a great day out in a unique venue.”

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