Traders at Nottingham Castle's Christmas Market will be able to set up in a new city location after the castle closed its doors. Nottingham Castle's trust announced it was going into liquidation yesterday (Monday, November 21).
The news presented a potential huge blow for Nottinghamshire independent business as the castle is one of their biggest stockists. However, it has now been confirmed traders will be able to set up at Sneinton Market Avenues this year.
Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID), Pitch Presents and the Creative Quarter have arranged for the market to take place from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, 27.
Read More: The Nottinghamian: A 'heartbreaking day' as Nottingham Castle closes
One of the traders, Dukki Gifts and Souvenirs, was due to go to the Nottingham Castles Christmas Market this weekend with thousands of pounds worth of stock. Heidi Hargreaves, who has owned Dukki since 2014, told Nottinghamshire live that the closure of Nottingham Castle is a shame.
“Well they’re one of our biggest stockists so it is a major blow for this weekend, and for the long term future of our turnover because they used to order quite regularly from us," Heidi said. This weekend a Christmas market was due to take place from November 25 to 27, however, due to the Nottingham Castle Trust announcing that it had begun the process of appointing liquidators, it is no longer taking place.
Alex Flint, CEO, of Nottingham BID, said: “The festive season is now well under way in Nottingham and traders have been making preparations for months, ahead of what is a vitally busy and profitable time for local businesses. On hearing the news about Nottingham Castle, we knew decisions needed to be made to enable the diverse range of local food retailers and makers to continue to trade. Taking decisive action and working collaboratively with Pitch Presents and Creative Quarter has meant we have collectively secured a new event venue at Sneinton Market Avenues.
“When Nottingham faces challenges like this, we pride ourselves on finding solutions; in this instance, the strength of our partnerships has demonstrated that we are a city which cares, and pulls together to support the local economy.”
Heidi added that the loss of the castle is such a shame. She said: “We’re lucky that we’ve got a loyal following on social media so we can get through this in the short term, I feel sorry for all those that have lost their jobs over this and the smaller traders that were perhaps investing everything they’ve got in doing this weekend and for it to not go ahead is a real shame.
“It’s just a shame really because we really enjoyed working with the castle and the fact that they celebrate all things local and using local makers and they’re not going to be able to do that anymore." Twenty-three independent traders will be at Sneinton Market, including Doughnotts, Dragonflame Candles, Chillibobs and Soapary.
READ NEXT:
The collapse of Nottingham Castle is a dark day for the city
Council says Nottingham Castle closure a 'significant blow' for city
Live updates as Nottingham Castle closed as trust goes into liquidation
Clifton community devastated by children's death after flat fire as pub starts fundraiser
Extension granted over potential £400m takeover of Notts company
