THE BIG RIVER
makers market
Our markets
Our group (in partnership with the Shields Market traders) take part in South Shields Seaside Markets.These markets occur every fortnight from April to October. As well as fabulous local makers we also provide live music at these events.
In addition to the South Shields Seaside Markets, we have also hosted Big River Makers Markets in South Shields Market Square, Ocean Road Community Centre, The Barnes Institute, Whitburn and East Boldon Scout Hut. We plan to hold more markets in new locations both indoors and out in the future.
How to apply
To apply to be one of our Big River Makers and take part in our markets:
1) Your items for sale need to be hand-made by you.
2) You need to have £5million public liability insurance.
3) If you are a food vendor, you will also need to provide us additional information/evidence regarding food safety, such as proof you have completed your Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering.
If you fulfil the above criteria then please email us with your business name and some images of your products to thebigrivermakersmarket@gmail.com to register. You’ll then be added to our mailing list and informed of future markets.
Opportunities for Makers
As well as opportunities to trade, as a member of the Big River Makers Market community, you’ll get useful information such as free training opportunities as well as a chance to take part in our projects. For example, we recently matched makers with young people in a programme which armed them with the skills to create their own hand-made items that they can then sell at market.
We also employed Karen Jones from ‘Create Better’ to run a drop-in arts & craft activity at our NECA Community Garden funday, where participants made their own jewellery and created upcycled fantastical ornaments.
Opportunities for performing artists
If you are interested in performing at one of our markets then we’d love to hear from you. Whether you are an experienced performer, grassroots musician or right at the start of your performing journey, we are keen to hear what you can do. We pay fair rates that reflect experience. Just get in touch with us via our Facebook page or email us at createandconnect.cic@gmail.com with your name, a bit of background and any links/videos of you performing that you might have.
If you are a young performing artist under the age of 16, then please get a parent/guardian to contact us as we will need their consent in order for you to perform.