A series of specialist markets are breathing new life into Mansfield’s historic Market Place with food and goods from around the world being sold.

An Artisan and Craft Market, with food, drinks, speciality goods, crafts and entertainment, began last month and is now running on the first Sunday of each month from 10am to 3pm. Bookings are still being taken for new stall holders to come along.

The town centre also now has a monthly International Mini Market with products from around the world. It runs on the second Wednesday of each month, from 10am to 4pm. There is also entertainment with an international twist to add to the atmosphere.

The first event saw traders from 10 countries, including Latvia, Lithuania, England and Italy, selling traditional goods including jewellery, home décor, clothing and cosmetics.

There were performances by international singer Ralfs Rubenis, from Latvia, who entertained the crowds with contemporary pop hits.

Mike Robinson, director of economic growth at Mansfield District Council, said: “Our first specialist markets added a real buzz to the Town Centre last month and with support from the community we can continue to make improvements to their shopping experience while putting Mansfield Market back on the map.

“We are also encouraging new stallholders to come along to help us to enhance the town’s offering. So if you have an interesting product you would like to sell, you can get in touch with the markets team for advice about which specialist market might suit you best.”

The council also offers rent-free stalls via the Incubation Unit Scheme for traders offering a new product line to the existing market. For details email [email protected] or call 01623 463818.

More information about Mansfield Market can be found at www.mansfieldmarket.co.uk or visit the new market Facebook page @MansfieldMarketOfficial.

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Other events coming up in the Market Place:
•Sunday 9 July: Party on the Market with live music and entertainment from 2pm – 7.30pm. Free admission and free parking in the town centre on that day, too! Seewww.facebook.com/partyonthemarket for details.
•Sunday 16 July: Family Fun Dog Show, which raises money for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
•Monday 31 July to Saturday 26 August: Life’s a Beach – Mansfield BID’s sandy beach returns for the summer.
•Saturday 12 August: Mystery of the Star Eaters – be a detective for the day asMansfield BID and Casebook Events present an interactive adventure game from 10am to 4pm, involving secret locations around Mansfield town centre, some usually off-limits to the public. There are details in the events section atwww.mansfieldtowncentre.co.uk.
•Saturday 2 September and Sunday 3 September: Mansfield BID Garden Festival from 10.30am to 3pm with fruit, vegetables, flowers, wine and baking competitions open to all. See www.mansfieldtowncentre.co.uk for details in the events section.
•Tuesday 5 September: The Big Welcome- We’ll have the Action Sports Tour live from the Market Square to welcome the Tour of Britain to town, with ramp and rail demonstrations, professional riders and have a go sessions.
•Wednesday 6 September: Start of the Nottinghamshire leg of the Tour of Britain cycle race.
•Sunday 17 September: Mansfield 5k and 10k race.
•Sunday 22 October: Car Show. If you are interested in attending with your vehicle or stand, please [email protected].