Pop-up market pulled more visitors into Elland town centre
The first “It’s All About Elland Pop-up Market” took place earlier this month
An inaugural Saturday pop-up market – the first since this part of town was pedestrianised – saw visitors bringing some extra bustle and business to Elland.
Dubbed the “It’s All About Elland Pop-up Market”, it took place in the centre of Southgate’s new square and the hope is that its success will see similar events help drive more footfall into Elland town centre.
The event was the brainchild of ward councillor David Veitch, but brought into being with the help of lots of volunteers including the team at Project Colt, the Brett Rhodes Joinery and Building Services team, Elland Community Events, Elland Round Table and Elland Juniors FC.
Coun Veitch (Lab, Elland) said lots of manpower was required to transport, erect and dismantle the market stalls.
Stalls sold goods ranging from jewellery and cakes to woodturning and embroidery, he said.
Additionally, there was live music to lift the vibes – Phillip Cluskey and other musicians linked to Project Colt performed as did their choir, the Colt Community Voices.
There was also recorded music from Martin the DJ, said Coun Veitch.
He said the community effort made the event a great success.
“I have basically responded to the wishes of our residents who have been asking for this.
“We are trying, as a community to bring footfall back into Elland town centre.
“This only happened because people got together and got stuck in to help,” said Coun Veitch.
Coun Veitch said residents attending would now like to see the Saturday pop-up market continue on a regular basis.
Elland has a proud market tradition, and the regular market takes place at Town Hall Square each Friday from 9am to 4pm, except for Good Friday and Fridays that fall on Bank Holidays.
The market’s origin is steeped in history, according to Calderdale Council, dating back to the Royal Charter given to Richard De Eland in 1317 by King Edward II.
The council says: “It serves a loyal customer base and provides a vibrant social hub for the local community.”
Stalls sell goods including cards, fish, pies, bread and cakes, cheese, jewellery, wooden craft goods, sweets, Asian cuisine, cleaning products, hand-crocheted children’s toys, pet treats, other crafts, aromatherapy and bath products, and the chance to grab a coffee.
On social media some Elland residents have expressed concerns about falling footfall over time, issues ranging from banks leaving the town, through the reconfiguration works to the time it is taking to get its planned new rail station open – some key approvals on the latter were given this spring.