St Albans: 'Substantial growth' for charter market

According to St Albans City & District Council, the average number of traders on Wednesdays has increased by 22 per cent, and 16 per cent on Saturdays.

The number of occupied pitches has also risen by 37 per cent on Wednesdays and 26 per cent on Saturdays, with many traders operating from two or more pitches.

The Sunday market has also increased in popularity, with the number of traders up by 11 per cent on average and the number of occupied pitches up by 16 per cent.

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These figures have been recorded in the four months from June to September 2023, in comparison to the same period last year (2022).

The leader of St Albans City & District Council, Cllr Chris White. (Image: Chris White)

Council leader Chris White, said: “I am delighted to see that our twice-weekly charter market as well as the monthly Sunday market are thriving and showing substantial growth.

Ertugrvl Istanbullu of Sade Hane jewellery. (Image: St Albans City & District Council)

“This was despite more rain this summer as well as cooler temperatures than the same period last year.

“My thanks go to the market traders and our own markets team for all their hard work in revitalising this priceless service after the ravages of the pandemic.

Alison and Mark Williams at their Happy Elephant natural jewellery stall with comic actor Johnny Vegas. (Image: St Albans City & District Council)

“The more traders we attract, the more choice and excitement there is for shoppers with all sorts of interesting products now on sale such as kitchenware, outdoor furniture and natural jewellery made from plant-based material.

“The charter market has been going for centuries and helps to create a distinctive, vibrant atmosphere in the city centre.

Manish Panchal of Eat Wholefoods. (Image: St Albans City & District Council)

"We are determined that it will continue to thrive and have introduced popular measures such as occasional live entertainment and gazebos in uniform St Albans colours of blue and yellow.

Alfred Daniels of Sesame Kingdom. (Image: St Albans City & District Council)

“We will continue with these efforts to ensure we have a market to be proud of at the very heart of St Albans.”

Further information can be found at www.stalbans.gov.uk/markets.

Donna Smith of Teak Garden Furniture. (Image: St Albans City & District Council)