The Market Place witnessed a remarkable inaugural Antiques Fair, drawing traders and enthusiasts from neighbouring areas including Hull, Retford, and Newark.
Organised by Marks and Harry, of MH Antiques, the fair showcased a diverse array of treasures, marking the beginning of a promising venture in the antique trade.
The event, held in the Market Place, provided a picturesque backdrop for attendees to peruse unique finds and rare collectibles. From vintage furniture to ornate decor pieces, the fair catered to a wide range of tastes, attracting both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the world of antiques.
Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young attended the event on Easter Saturday. He said: “We are thrilled with the enthusiastic response to Gainsborough’s first antiques fair. The support from traders and the community has been phenomenal, and we are excited to see this event grow into a staple of Gainsborough’s cultural calendar.”
Traders were eager to display their finest wares. Damien Smith and Anthony Smith were thrilled to be part of the first event. Damien said: “It is exciting, we have had a few sales, and we are hoping to be here every week. We have an endless supply of interesting items with some even bigger furniture that we could not bring today.”
Anthony added: “It is a great idea – I only live down the road and eventually would love to open my own shop on Lord Street. The market stall is the perfect place to start.”
Another trader Peter Heywood added: “It’s a brilliant idea – I trade in Reford and Newark and this as a third trading place for me will be fantastic, I am hoping to be here every week and have not done bad trading so far.”
Some of the stalls took shoppers back to their childhood. Richard Woods (80) from Gainsborough and his friend Paul Dawson (80) enjoyed the antique toy stall run by No Tat – Nigel’s Obsolete Toys And Treasures.
Richard said: “It is so interesting for us as we remember buying some of these Leyland lorries when I was small. I hope people come out and support the event.”
Paul said he loved the idea of the antiques fair. He said: “I think its brilliant for Gainsborough especially if it brings traders into the town. We have all got to build the town up.”
Stall holder Nigel Hyd described the antiques fair as a ‘great idea’. He added: “Hopefully this will be really successful.”
Ian Chilvers who runs the fruit, veg and plant stall every Saturday welcomed the addition to the market. He said: “The market has definitely seemed busier with the antiques fair here and more traders like today has got to fetch people into the town. I hope each week we see more traders joining.”
Charlotte Whomsley from the Reckless market stall added: “Any additional footfall from events like this will help all businesses in the town and bring more people into it.”
The Very Cool Coffee Bus was at the event serving drinks and offering tasty treats, along with Nikki’s Cheese Cake stall and Sidney Robins was in attendance with his bric-a-brac stall.
Shopper Margaret Forster from Gainsborough bought a lovely brooch from an antique stand. She said: “It is absolutely brilliant. The market place needs more things going on. When we get the cinema, I think it will bring a lot more people into the market place as there is so much more to the town.”
Organisers Marks and Harry were pleased with how the first antiques fair went and are looking forward to building on the venture. They said: “There has been loads of people walking around and buying some great items. It is good to see so much interest from traders and they brought in some brilliant pieces of stock. There was also some great trade buying between the traders. It has been great and so nice that we managed to get the sun out for the day. We look forward to seeing more customers again next Saturday.”
Terry Turnell, who also has a regular stall at Tiger Antiques in the town had made a few sales throughout the day. He said: “I really hope it will be a huge success.”
Deputy Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Lesley Rollings said: “It has been great to see so many fabulous antique traders here at our very first antiques fair and there have been some wonderful items for sale. I hope to see more traders and more customers each week as the antiques fair will run weekly until 26 October 2024. Thank you to everyone who has come down to support this wonderful idea and to our district councillors for supporting the event.”
MH Antiques, who are based in Astra Antiques building of the Hemswell complex (cabinet E3) are looking forward to bringing something new to the town both for enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike.
- To book a stall at the antiques fair please contact MH Antiques direct on 07957249202 or 07494712475 or though the MH Antiques and Fairs Facebook page.
- For all other enquiries relating to our markets please contact our Markets Officer on 01427 676676
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