Celebrating Thame’s Charter Market: Over 800 years old, and still going strong

Thame Charter Market is participating in the high profile Love Your Local Market campaign, running 17 – 31 May, led by the National Association of British Market Authorities, with full support from the wider markets industry and Government. Sponsored by Gala Tent.

 

Started in 2012 amidst fears around the sustainability of our nation’s high streets, Love Your Local Market participants have staged over 11,000 events. This year Thame’s Tuesday Charter Market shall be joining over 1200 markets across Britain in this campaign to highlight the importance that our market plays in the heart of our communities, not only for retail but as a valuable community assets that provides a focal point.

 

The weekly market, which has been established in Thame since 1183, will be embracing social media by posting daily features of the exciting stalls that you can find at the market every Tuesday through their Facebook page.  They are asking everyone to get involved by liking the page https://www.facebook.com/ThameMarketTraders/ and sharing details about your favourite stalls with your friends, using #LYLM2017 and #Thame. They are aiming to reach 1,500 likes by the end of the campaign and need your help to achieve this!

 

Thame’s monthly Farmers’ Market will also be getting involved in the campaign through their Facebook, so make sure you show them some love by liking their page! They will also be posting regular features throughout LYLM fortnight, showcasing the products available on the second Tuesday of each month.

 

High Streets Minister Andrew Percy said: “We have a proud heritage of markets in this country. They are a vital part of Britain’s bustling high streets and the heartbeat of communities across the country. Markets are a key part of the retail offer in many towns, contributing to jobs and local growth and are a proven catalyst for encouraging the next generation of business people to start or develop their own businesses”

 

Each week, Thame Market features a Community Stall that groups and charities can use to enjoy the buzz of the market crowds and promote their work or fundraise right in the heart of the community. As part of the event this stall will feature the Red Kite Family Centre on 30 May from 10am – 1pm. They will be running ‘Carnival Crafts’ providing children with the opportunity to come and get involved in making flags and streamers that they can bring to wave at Thame’s Carnival which takes place on 10 June.