The popular Ay-Up Market returns to Nottingham city centre this spring for its third year.
Organised and funded by It’s in Nottingham – the city’s business improvement district – with support from Nottingham City Council, this year’s celebration of independent, Nottingham-based retailers and creatives will take place at Old Market Square from Friday 26 April to Sunday 28 April 2024.
Last year’s market saw more than 50 vendors trade a variety of goods, from food and drink to arts and crafts, giving independent retailers and creatives, both bricks and mortar and online, a unique trading platform.
This year, there are over 60 independent stallholders taking part, and visitors can look forward to various products such as freshly baked goods, sweet treats, fine wine and liquors, vintage clothing, plants, skincare, homeware, arts and crafts, handmade jewellery, and pet accessories. All these products will be available from local, independent retailers during the three-day event.
Some of the popular businesses taking part include: Amber Cooper-Green, Beeston Brownies, Dukki, Handmade Nottingham, Hey Luka, Just Jo Design, Moonbuns, Naomi Grace Ceramics, Shapes from the Earth, Snail and Rabbit, Stewarts Coffee, Wiff Waff Designs, and Wild Clothing.
Alongside the stalls, the event will feature an exciting programme of live music from the main stage, arranged by Trekkah, in collaboration with Phlexx Records.
The Ay-Up Market also offers fun and entertainment for visitors of all ages. There will be a variety of group performances from the Nottingham Asian Arts Council, City Arts, and the Brazilian Culture Centre – showcasing a range of cultural art forms. In addition to the performances, there will be plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained, including a traditional hook-a-duck and candy-floss cart, free face painting, and balloon modelling.
But that’s not all – Sarah Manton, in collaboration with Grow Notts, will be hosting free creative workshops throughout the weekend, which are open to people of all ages.
Food and drink from around the world will be available at Old Market Square. You’ll find cuisines from Malaysia to Sri Lanka, with food traders such as the award-winning Syiok-Lah, Colombo Street, MemSaab and Spice Cay. You can also indulge in tasty treats from The Pudding Pantry and The Wandering Tea Company. Additionally, Blue Monkey Brewery will be serving their award-winning beers and spirits.
Alex Flint, CEO of It’s in Nottingham, said: “We are delighted to announce the return of the Ay-Up Market for its third year after a successful event last year. The market will feature a wide range of stalls and offer a platform for community groups and creatives from Nottingham to present their art, dance, and music to an expanded audience. Visitors will have the chance to explore the market, as well as experience the vibrant cultural offerings. Importantly, this event is open to all and requires no entrance fee, making it an accessible and inclusive event for everyone.”
Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s great to see the Ay-Up Market return for its third year to shine a light on Nottingham’s brilliant independent traders. With a huge range of stallholders, and free performances and activities for all, we’re looking forward to welcoming lots of visitors to the city centre from near and far. It’s set to be an entertaining and affordable day out for people and families of all ages.”
The Ay-Up Market will be open from 11am to 6pm on Friday 26 April, 10am to 6pm on Saturday 27 April and 10am to 5pm on Sunday 28 April. Entry to the market is free.