A new market at the Bearpit has been extended to offer weekly events for the festive season. The organiser wants to promote the area as a "positive and welcoming" space with up to 50 stalls of traders from Bristol and the South West at each market.
Markets have become a crucial part of the fabric of Bristol in recent years. A new succession of markets at the Bearpit at St James Barton roundabout has helped revive a space that was previously left in disarray until the council funded a £250,000 renovation.
The four trial markets at the Bearpit started in the summer and were such a success that the organiser, Indie Price, has been given the green light to continue. With that came the six weekly events starting from Sunday, November 13 right up until December 18, and they will return every month starting in January 2023.
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"It's a positive and welcoming place," Indie told BristolLive. "We want people to have somewhere which is free to enter to enjoy looking around at the stalls.
"I've always said I love the Bearpit. Many people in Bristol love it, it's essentially the heart of our city and to see it be used in such a positive way was one of our aims because we'd love for it to continue to be enjoyed as it should be."
Along with promoting the area, the Bearpit Market seeks to provide a platform for independent businesses and give people a community space in the city centre that's safe and welcoming.
She continued: "There are all sorts of incredible stall holders that sell a range of things you'd never be able to find on the high street. It's a great place to shop. It's levelling up your Christmas shopping and making it count."
These stalls include vintage clothing, handmade self-care products, pottery and artworks. Indie said there are still some spots open for budding sellers and that anyone is welcome to apply.
Indie explained: "One of the main reasons for setting up the Bearpit Marker was to take away the barriers that people face to accessing markets. As long as the products can't be used for illegal activity, are not counterfeit and non-offensive, anyone can apply. However, we're not a car boot so there has to be a product."
She added that it's an excellent opportunity for people to grow their businesses during a difficult economic period. Any local businesses interested in booking a stall at the market can apply here.
"As we progress there are more challenges with the cost of living and it's essential for us to pull together as a community and support each other through these times. Shop local and shop independent has been a driving force for a while within society and I think the benefit to the buyer is that you find unique, wonderful things that are created with love that are environmentally friendly.
"If you're looking for a Christmas gift this year try out our markets because you will find things that are new, exciting and thoughtful."
Bearpit's festive markets come to Bristol on November 13, 20, 27, December 4, 11, and 18, 2022. You can follow the market for updates on Facebook and Instagram
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