Expanded United Makers of Kent Food & Creative Market to take place on April 5

The ever-popular United Makers of Kent Food & Creative Market in Ashford Town Centre is now even bigger and better than before from Saturday April 5. 

Mark your calendars because the first Saturday of the month, from April 5 10am-4pm, will see the United Makers of Kent Food & Creative Market even more vibrant with some exciting changes in store. 

In 2023, Ashford Borough Council formed a focused group for the market and proposed to improve the existing monthly market set-up, looking at other Kent towns and cities in the process to create a ‘Best in Kent’ market. 

Following that research, the council has allowed for the market to expand to more spaces in the town centre, allowing for an extension of traders to offer more variety to the public to dwell and spend time in the town centre vicinity. 

There are over 25 stalls showcasing a wide selection of what local artisans and market stall traders have to offer including food, drink and unique crafts. 

Building on a strong foundation

Importantly, while the council are supporting the United Makers of Kent Food & Creative Market in numerous ways, the initiative remains driven and organised by the community through Craftship Enterprise CIC.

The council believes that rather than rip up the existing framework and replace it with something new, it is better to amplify the success of something already thriving and support it to make it even more of a success. 

With over 25 stalls on offer, there’s already a waiting list of traders eager to showcase their offerings in the high street.  

Ashford Borough Council is enthusiastically collaborating with the United Makers of Kent Food & Creative Market to explore every opportunity for expansion and welcome even more amazing traders.  

“The expansion of the monthly market is fantastic news, and we know our residents will be thrilled, and hope they enjoy even more of the incredible offerings that all the market traders have on offer,” Keli Nolan-Lyons, Town Centre Regeneration Manager at Ashford Borough Council, said. “We have a real belief in making our town centre a place to visit and spend time in and enjoy and supporting this market’s growth is a crucial step in making that happen and we are proud to be involved in that journey”

Long-term success

The expansion plans for this market are just part of what the council is delivering to revitalise Ashford Town Centre and to make it a vibrant centre for all to use and enjoy.

Between 2022 and 2025, the council has invested nearly £3m into the high street as part the Ashford Town Centre Reset Strategy. This funding is nearly all sourced from external funds, such as Section 106 funds or the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Funding. 

Projects that have been delivered include the UnFramed mural festival, which put Ashford on the world map and the Ashford Town Centre Business Grants, which have supported existing businesses and helped fill empty shops. 

Next up is the Ashford Food and Drink Festival, which is set to take place on June 28 this year as a day long event throughout the town centre.

In addition, the council will continue to deliver the hugely popular Carnival of the Baubles and Create Music Village in the latter part of the year.

Through the LoveAshford website and social media channels, the council continues to promote the best offers and services from businesses within the Town Centre, with the aim that our residents support these businesses and activities throughout the year.

So, join thousands of others who visit Ashford town centre every week, come and attend the events, find great offers and support our local businesses!