Festive Maker’s Market sees Sheffield’s small businesses thrive
By Alycia McNamara
December 8, 2023

This year’s Maker’s Market in Orchard Square was the biggest one yet as more regional vendors gathered to sell their products than ever before.

There were 15 stalls and live music the market hosted a line up of creative talent including artwork, photography, clothing, jewellery, accessories, plants and food.

Tom Fields, 43, managing director of Fields Flowers and Plants, said: “It’s a great experience, it’s a bit different and it’s a good opportunity to access the city centre. The new shops and bars in the area help with the footfall.

“The market has a positive vibe with music and it’s wonderful what they’re doing in a historically unused area of the city centre.”

The market is always popular with visitors, and with just a few weeks left until Christmas many were looking to find gifts or stocking fillers.

Shay Murray, Orchard Square Manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome a range of regional talent and craftsmanship to Orchard Square.

“Alongside some festive wonderment, entertainment and music throughout the day, our Maker’s Market was the perfect pre-Christmas day out, for all the family.”

This summer saw the completion of refurbishment within the Square such as the opening of new restaurants Proove Pizza and the Old Shoe bringing new life to the area.

Laura Davies, 28, a Ceramicist at 53 Degrees North Ceramics said: “The market itself was small but the atmosphere was great, very festive with lots of hustle and bustle.

“It was a fun market and a great way to support small scale sellers and markers, I can’t wait to see it become bigger and better as time goes on.”

Many of the vendors at the Maker’s Market are keen to take part again and anyone looking to apply for a stall can do via contacting Orchard Square.