Visit Ely Markets and, as well as benefiting from all the right ingredients for a perfect market, you’ll be celebrating 800 years of living history.
Since Henry III granted a market to the Bishop of Ely in Medieval times, it’s been a mixing place for townsfolk, villagers and visitors alike all seeking to buy goods and services.
In some ways not much has changed in the intervening eight centuries – highlighting how much value there is in shopping locally and sustainably.
Come rain or shine Ely Markets remains a bustling and vibrant hub, rich in cultural heritage.
Charter Markets take place every Thursday from 8.30am, featuring everything you would expect from a traditional market, plus a few surprises. Each week the market attracts thousands of visitors, with 92% going on to visit Ely’s other businesses, helping add millions each year to the local economy.
On Saturdays the Craft, Food and Vintage Market is the perfect place to browse for unique gifts from local crafters, makers and bakers. Over half everything sold is hand crafted, grown locally or repurposed. Seek out eclectic vintage items, collectables and exclusive craft products by local artisans – plus fresh produce, bread and cakes. Make a day of it and enjoy a coffee and a tasty street food snack whilst you browse.
Farmers’ Markets take place every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, where you’ll find top-quality local fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, flowers, plants and herbs, plus a fantastic range of cakes, pastries and preserves and a great delicatessen offer. Ely Farmers’ Market celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
More laid-back markets take place on Sundays and bank holidays featuring crafts, vintage and great street food choice, offering an alternative take on Sunday lunch. There’s something fun for the kids too, from sweet treats to arts and crafts workshops during the school holidays.
Warmer weather also brings the onset of the popular Foodie Fridays. These take place on the last Friday of the month from April to August from 4pm to 8.30pm and feature street food from around the world to savour and live music to entertain. It’s the perfect way to start a weekend.
Ely Markets is part of East Cambs Trading Company, the trading arm of East Cambridgeshire District Council.
Emma Grima, Commercial Director, said: “We are so proud of our markets and what they bring to the local area and the thousands of people who visit them every year.
“All our traders do an excellent job and really go the extra mile to make sure each and every one offers something special.
“So much so, our markets even received the Royal seal of approval when, as Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the King and Queen visited in November 2018 and enjoyed meeting traders and sampling local produce.
“By shopping at Ely Markets you are supporting local small businesses, shopping sustainably, contributing to the local economy and being part of Ely’s rich, living history.”
For more details, follow social media @elymarkets, or visit www.elymarkets.co.uk