Following the news that Nottingham Castle Trust has begun the process of appointing liquidators, Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID), the city centre business alliance, has stepped in to offer support, working alongside Pitch Presents and the Creative Quarter.
The closure has meant that a total of 23 independent market traders due to attend the Castle’s Christmas Market, starting on Friday 25 November, faced the tough news that important trading days would be lost.
Pitch Presents, the organisation that runs the regular market events, moved quickly to offer a new location for the traders on Sneinton Market Avenues, following offers of support from both Creative Quarter and Nottingham BID.
Visit Nottinghamshire, which works with visitor economy businesses to promote the city regionally, is also working with Nottingham BID to make sure visitors and residents are updated regarding the relocation of the event.
Alex Flint, CEO, of Nottingham BID said: “The festive season is now well underway in Nottingham and traders have been making preparations for months, ahead of what is a vitally busy and profitable time for local businesses.
“On hearing the news about Nottingham Castle, we knew decisions needed to be made to enable the diverse range of local food retailers and makers to continue to trade. Taking decisive action and working collaboratively with Pitch Presents and Creative Quarter has meant we have collectively secured a new event venue at Sneinton Market Avenues.
“When Nottingham faces challenges like this, we pride ourselves on finding solutions; in this instance, the strength of our partnerships has demonstrated that we are a city which cares, and pulls together to support the local economy.”
Olivia from Pitch added: “We are sad to hear about the news of Nottingham Castle shutting its doors, and we hope they can pull through a very difficult period. Our aim at Pitch is to support Nottingham’s independents as we love everything that independent business represents and the community that it creates.
“The creatives attending the Christmas Craft Market would have worked so hard for weeks, investing money and time into stock to sell, Christmas is such an important time for indie businesses. We look forward to welcoming you to support all these amazing Nottingham brands this weekend. Thank you to the businesses of Sneinton Market Avenues, CQ Nottingham & Nottingham BID for their continued support.”
Tamily Cookson, CEO of Creative Quarter said: “The closure of Nottingham Castle is a sad loss for the city on a wider scale, but we quickly realised we could alleviate the immediate impact on the Christmas Market traders, thanks to the strong reputation we already have for showcasing independent creative businesses here at Sneinton Market Avenues.
“We’ve collaborated with the wonderful Gayle and Olivia at Pitch for the last year, running successful events in the Creative Quarter over the summer and into the festive season, so we already had all the infrastructure in place to facilitate a quick turnaround and ensure the market goes ahead. It’s been a real team effort.”
• Breaking: Nottingham Castle closes to public as Trust appoints liquidators
• Leader’s statement and update as Nottingham Castle handed back to City Council
Christmas shoppers in Nottingham looking for a festive experience as well as the chance to find the perfect Christmas gift, from a local independent trader, can visit Sneinton Market Avenues from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th November 2022.
Traders attending, correct at going to press:
Dukki Gifts
Doughnotts
Ellastrated
Lakey’s Bakes
Dragonflame Candles
Made In Knotts
Sarah Turner Eco Art
We Do Dough
Alice Joanie Illustration
Skin Solace
Lili Loves Will
Crochet Creations by Nell
Apple Nellies
Studio Chocolate
Jewellery by Charlotte
Resin by Gabrielle
Amy Lee Creative
Sustainable Bags and Fashion
Chillibobs
Thyme for Rose
Two Shires Cidery
Soapary
The Crop Club
