ONE of the most popular events in town returns this month – with an extra day to keep shoppers safe and boost traders.

While markets were allowed to stay open for essential items during the November lockdown, last month's Northwich Artisan Market was cancelled to encourage shoppers to stay at home.

Now, with the town in Tier 2 restrictions, Northwich Artisan Market is set to make its return on both Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13, at the spacious Barons Quay site.

Denise Valente, director at The Market Co which organises the event, said: "It's a great opportunity for our traders to get back in Northwich before Christmas when people are doing their shopping.

"It has been a really tough year for most of our traders as you can imagine, but it is great we have got the space at Barons Quay to hold it safely.

"The idea of running it over two days is so people can spread out over the two, rather than all coming on the one day, so we can make it as safe as possible.

"We are really looking forward to a couple of a positive days when we can all enjoy something a bit more normal in a safe way."

Both The Market Co and its traders have endured tough times in 2020, with many unable to qualify for the Government's financial support.

Northwich Guardian:

Covid safety measures will be in place

But with a vaccine around the corner, and a revived love of shopping local among the public, Denise is upbeat about 2021.

"We are very much hopeful that people will get the vaccine and we can return to a new normality as quickly as possible," she said.

"There is a feeling at the moment that the public really want to support local businesses, small businesses, independent traders."

While outdoor events have been disrupted by Covid, The Market Co adapted to the pandemic with the launch of Artisans Online.

And the website looks set to go from strength to strength thanks to a grant from Cheshire's local enterprise partnership – which will be spent on a digital marketing consultant.

Denise added: "Artisans Online is going to get a real boost in the next few weeks.

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"The site will stay with us for the future, it is not just for lockdown. We want it to work alongside the markets for years to come.

"I think people's shopping habits have changed so to have that in place will be a big advantage."

All shoppers are asked to wear a face covering when the market takes place this month, and QR codes for NHS Test and Trace will be provided.

For more information see themarketco.co.uk