Newcastle’s much-loved market will open its doors every day from this Sunday as the festive season gets into full swing.
The market is the perfect place to shop this Christmas, offering a traditional festive experience all under one roof, with local traders selling fresh, local produce, products and gifts.
It is again playing an integral role in Newcastle’s Christmas, and along with the extra Sunday openings in December in the run up to Christmas, when there will also be free family friendly craft activities, there is a programme of festive choirs including those from local schools every day until Wednesday 18 December.
And the market will be looking even more festive from next Tuesday (3 December) thanks to Robertson Construction Group, the council’s management contractor leading on the market’s improvement works, who is sponsoring the Christmas decorations inside the market to complement the already decorated entrances.
Cllr Dan Greenhough, Cabinet member for Economy, Jobs and Skills at Newcastle City Councils said: “We know how popular the Grainger Market is as a shopping destination, at Christmas and all year round, and the traders are its lifeblood. They are local people who demonstrate the dedication, creativity and spirit that embodies this city, and a thriving market is not only great for them but for our city as a whole and our economy.
“So, it’s great to see it really coming to life this festive season and attracting visitors to the city as well as the ever-loyal local customers. There really is something for everyone, and I would encourage everyone to visit the market this Christmas.
“I would also like to thank Robertson for sponsoring the Christmas decorations inside of the market. The council’s focus has to be the regeneration of the market, so it’s fantastic that the company leading on these regeneration works appreciates the worth of supporting the market and its traders at this very important time of year.”
Neil Kennedy, regional managing director, Robertson Construction, said: “As the partner of choice to deliver the regeneration of Grainger Market we know how important it is to local traders and shoppers. The market has always been at the heart of the community, and we are happy to support the festive celebrations.”
Sunday openings start this week – 1st December, between 10am and 4pm. Each week a local creative artist has been selected to run the festive craft sessions, which are free to attend, with no booking needed. These take place between 11am and 4pm in the Arcade, near the plant stalls.
- Sunday 1stDec – Festive Banners (artist Jennie Eyre)
- Sunday 8thDec– Print making, Christmas cards and tags (artist Ruby Taylor)
- Sunday 15thDec – Rag Wreaths (artist Josie Stewart)
- Sunday 22nd Dec – Bath Bombs (artist Lynne Baxter)
Festive choirs, including those from local school choirs are also performing daily between 10.30-11.30am and 1.30pm to 2.30pm until Wednesday 18 December.
The market will be open as usual from Monday until Saturday between 9am and 5.30pm.