Date is set for town's very own Brick Lane

A provisional date has been set for the first St Annes Vintage Market.
Melanie Jackson and Jayne Callaghan from The Attik with fellow traders and interested parties at the first meeitng of the St Annes Vintage Fair steering groupMelanie Jackson and Jayne Callaghan from The Attik with fellow traders and interested parties at the first meeitng of the St Annes Vintage Fair steering group
Melanie Jackson and Jayne Callaghan from The Attik with fellow traders and interested parties at the first meeitng of the St Annes Vintage Fair steering group

Organisers hope the event – aimed to be held monthly initially with a view to it becoming a weekly feature – will transform a town centre back street into a ‘mini-Brick Lane’.

Inspired by the famous market held every Sunday in London’s East End, St Annes traders Melanie Jackson and Jayne Callaghan of The Attik in Orchard Road feel the market in Back St Annes Road West has the potential to be boost business and visitor potential – and chaired the first meeting of a steering group set up to organise the event.

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A provisional date of Sunday, August 7, although if the neccesary permission from the local authorites can be obtained earlier, the organisers say it could be brought forward.

Melanie and Jayne were joined at the meeting at the Urban Arts Centre, by representatives of local businesses including Lytham Design and Antiques@The Studio and Verdi Antiques, both of Back St. Anne’s Road West, ACentral ward Fylde councillor Jan Barker and St Annes Chamber of Trade co-ordinator Arnold Sumner, who pledged the Chamber’s backing for the market.

Melanie and Jayne outlined the necessary legal and organisational requirements, including the need for Fylde Council to lift trading restrictions on the street.

It was unanimously decided that pitches would be offered only to reputable vintage and antique dealers and retailers – ideally local ones – and it was felt that although, initially, the events would occur once a month to give the organisers time to consider and tackle any unforeseen issues, eventually the market could meet every Sunday morning.

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Malanie and Jayne said: “There is a clear vision from all involved to create a vibrant urban Vintage Market with credible traders selling quality items from furniture to vintage clothing.

“We are delighted to have the support of business owners in Back St Annes Road West and everyone who has encouraged and supported us from the outset.”

Arnold Sumner added: “I am most enthusiastic about the Vintage Market – like the Kite Festival and the Music and Arts Festivals held in the town in the summer, it could be a major attraction, bringing visitors from far and wide who would also visit our shops and catering establishments.”

Coun Barker said: “I’m sure the liveliness a vibrant Sunday Vintage Market will bring to the town centre will be enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike, and the new opportunities for traders are most welcome.”

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