Market Drayton Artisan Market grows into a monthly mini festival

Market Drayton's monthly Artisan Market has grown into one of the town's liveliest days out. Since April the market has been able to welcome up to 40 independent traders, with live music, free family activities and more hot food stalls bringing what its organisers call a "mini festival vibe" to the town centre.

The market is held on the second Saturday of every month in and around the historic Buttercross in Cheshire Street. With its expansion it now also spreads into the public space across the street beside Market Drayton Library.

It is run by Castle Artisan Markets, which took over the former Buttercross Artisan Market in October 2024 after being approached by Shropshire Council. Jake Burgess of Castle Artisan recalls that the old market had half a dozen regular traders. Since the relaunch it has attracted an average of 25 traders each market, and there is now a waiting list.

"We've been so successful in Market Drayton that there is demand for the market to grow," said Jake, whose company runs specialist markets in seven locations across the region. "We know we can make it a bigger and better attraction that is exciting for the town."

Shoppers can expect food and drink producers, artists and makers from across Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire, with most coming from Market Drayton or within a 45-minute radius. A rotating line-up means no two markets are the same, and new arrivals have included a gingerbread bakery, a specialist vegan bakery and The Indie Pie Company.

When the council handed the market to Castle Artisan, markets manager Kate Gittins said the aim was to create a bespoke market for Market Drayton using local makers and food producers, and to bring more people into the town on Saturdays.

There is plenty more to browse nearby. Market Drayton Indoor Market, home to 16 independent businesses, is also open on Saturdays, so visitors can make a morning of it.

Look out for the market around the Buttercross in Cheshire Street on the second Saturday of each month, and follow Castle Artisan Markets online for news of upcoming traders.