Markets in Town Centres

Whether you’re an established trader looking to expand, a small business ready to test the water, or a community group with a cause, markets offer a low-risk, high-impact way to get your brand in front of new faces. Joining our market means more than just a stall; it’s about adding to the local buzz, diversifying the high street, and tapping into a built-in audience of shoppers looking for something unique.

We are passionate about bringing more life to our town centres and are actively looking to grow our market community. Whether you are an experienced operator or a trader with a fresh idea, we want to help you find a home across the Borough. Our doors are wide open for regular markets of all shapes and sizes, and we’re here to make the process of setting up as smooth as possible.

Beyond our regular weekly spots, we also host a vibrant calendar of one-off, seasonal, and specialist events—including our much-loved Beeston Food Fairs and Craft Fairs. These are fantastic opportunities to tap into peak footfall and showcase what you do. Whatever your niche, we’d love to hear from you and help you get trading.

Ready to set up shop? Or Have a question? Drop our Markets Officer a line at Markets@broxtowe.gov.uk or give Clair Low a call on 0115 917 3588.

Where Can I Trade?

We have vibrant opportunities across the Borough, each with its own unique community feel. Here is a breakdown of our current sites and how you can get involved:

Beeston Square

Beeston is a fantastic spot for both casual and long-term traders. We offer a flexible pricing structure to help you grow:

Test the Water: A standard 3x3m plot is just £18  per day for ad-hoc or trial bookings.

Become a Regular: Save by committing! If you book and pay for a full month in advance, the rate drops to just £10 per day (e.g. £40 for a 4-week month).

Need More Space? Multiple plots are available for an additional charge if your setup requires a larger footprint.

Stapleford (Walter Parker Square)

Stapleford is currently a fantastic spot for a wide range of stalls—from hot food and crafts to unique gifts.

Looking Ahead: We have big plans! Walter Parker Square is scheduled for an exciting redevelopment within the next 12 months. This transformation will create an even better environment for both traders and shoppers, situated next door to the new Pencil Works.

Book Now: While we prepare for these works, we are still welcoming ad-hoc and temporary bookings. It is a great time to introduce your brand to the local community before the new-look Square launches.

Join Our Future: We are actively building our community of regular traders for 2027. If you are looking for a long-term home in a modernised space, we’d love to start that conversation with you now.

Calling All Foodies: We are specifically looking for a permanent food trader to become a staple of the Square.

Eastwood

Watch this space! We are currently exploring a range of options for locations for the Eastwood market. If you would like to be the first to know when these pitches go live, drop us an email to join our mailing list.

Kimberley

Kimberley is a fantastic setting for community-focused trading, usually playing host to vibrant one-off specialist markets and seasonal events.

Who to Contact: These events are usually led and managed by Kimberley Town Council. If you are interested in joining a specialist market here, we recommend reaching out to them directly or following their local updates to catch the next event announcement theclerk@kimberley-tc.gov

Common Questions for New & Established Traders

How much does a pitch cost?
Our rates are designed to be accessible. Prices vary depending on the location and whether you are booking a regular weekly slot or a one-off seasonal event. For a specific quote tailored to your business, just drop us a message with your product details.

Do I need my own gazebo or stall?
Generally, yes bringing your own high-quality, weighted 3x3m gazebo gives you the most flexibility to trade across all our sites.

However, if you are a community group or a small business just starting out with "test trading," we’re here to help! We have a limited number of gazebos available for hire for a small charge. These are perfect for ad-hoc use while you find your feet.

Please note that hire is subject to our Gazebo Policy, which covers essential health and safety, proper weighting, and insurance requirements. If you’d like to reserve one for your trial day, just let us know when you submit your application!

I have never traded before—can I still apply?
Absolutely! We love supporting "test traders" and start-ups. If you have a great product but are not sure where to start with insurance or risk assessments, get in touch. We are happy to point you in the right direction.

What happens if the weather is bad?
As an outdoor trader, the Great British weather is part of the job! We generally trade come rain or shine, but if conditions become unsafe (like high winds), we will always put your safety first and contact you as early as possible.

How do you decide who gets a pitch?
We aim for a vibrant, diverse mix of stalls to ensure every trader has the best chance of success. We try to avoid too much "duplication" (e.g., three coffee vans in a row), so we will look at your product photos and setup to see how you fit into the local mix.

When will I find out if my booking is confirmed?
We aim to review all applications within 3-5 working days.[EC2]  Once approved, we will send over your pitch confirmation and payment details so you can get ready for market day!

What happens if a market is cancelled?
While we always aim to trade, the Council or our market operators may occasionally need to cancel a market for safety reasons—usually due to adverse weather.

How will I know if there is a cancellation?
We move fast! Notifications are typically posted on the official social media pages of the specific market operator. We recommend giving them a "follow" so you get real-time updates before you set off. The Markets Officer will also aim to contact you as soon as possible before the market to inform you if the market has to be cancelled.

Can I book multiple plots?
Yes! If you have a double-fronted display or just need a bit more room to showcase your products, you can secure additional 3x3m plots for an extra charge.

Where can I park after setting up?
While vehicles must be moved off the Squares after you have unloaded, there is plenty of convenient, low-cost parking nearby at all our locations.

Do I need to manage my own waste?
Yes. As a trader, you have a legal "Duty of Care" to manage and dispose of your own trade waste. You must ensure your pitch is kept clean throughout the day and that all rubbish is removed from the site when you leave. Using domestic or public street bins for trade waste is strictly prohibited.

How do I qualify for the discounted Beeston rate?
To unlock the £10 regular rate, simply book and pay for all your sessions for the upcoming month in one go. It’s a great way to secure your spot and save on your overheads.

A quick note on vehicles: To keep our market Squares safe and pedestrian-friendly, all vehicles must be moved to nearby parking immediately after you have finished setting up. The only exception is for dedicated food vans or trailers where the vehicle itself is the "stall." If you’re unsure if your vehicle can stay, just ask us during the booking process!

What do I need to apply?
To ensure your application process is as smooth as possible, we have put together a handy checklist of the essentials you’ll need to have ready. Providing these upfront helps us get you trading sooner.

The Basics (Required for All)

• Public Liability Insurance (PLI): A copy of your current certificate with a minimum cover of £5 million. This is essential to protect you and the public while you are trading.
• Stall Photos: A couple of clear photos of your typical setup or products. This helps us place you in the best possible spot on the day.

For Food & Drink Traders

• Local Authority Registration: Proof that your food business is registered with your home local authority (this must be done at least 28 days before you start trading).
• Food Hygiene Certificate: A valid Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene certificate for anyone handling food at the stall.
• Food Hygiene Rating: Your most recent rating (we typically look for a score of 3 or above).
• Fire Risk Assessment: If you are using any cooking equipment or gas, you’ll need a specific fire safety assessment and a suitable fire extinguisher on-site.
• Safety Certificates: If you use electrical equipment, ensure it has a valid PAT test sticker. For gas users, a current Gas Safety Certificate is required.

Specialist Requirements

• Charity Status: If you are booking a community or charity pitch, please provide your Registered Charity Number or a copy of your constitution.

Ready to join our market community?

We can’t wait to see what you bring to our local high streets.

Please drop our Markets Officer, Clair Low, a line at Markets@broxtowe.gov.uk or on 0115 917 3588.

Stay in the Loop:
Not quite ready to trade yet? Follow our Official Facebook Page to see our markets in action, catch the latest trader callouts, and stay updated on weather-related announcements.

Looking to host an event or promotion?
Our town centres are available for much more than just markets! From charitable collections and leafleting to large-scale commercial events and film shoots, you can find full details on permits, electricity access, and notice periods on our Use of Town Squares page.