Abingdon Street Market's Birthday Weekend - Celebrating First Year of Retail

Popular with locals and visitors of all ages, the retail side of the market - with ten independent vendors, along with the dedicated food hall, has made a significant impact on the town centre.

Blackpool Council used £3.6m of funding from Getting Building Fund to purchase the historic market building, carrying out a full internal refurbishment prior to its opening in May 2023.

The opening of the food hall and retail area at the new-look Abingdon Street Market was an element of a much wider plan to regenerate Blackpool town centre, with aims to boost the economy, create jobs and provide more things to see and do.

The team behind the operations of the market, The Little Blackpool Leisure Company, have worked hard to produce a successful venue with a wide-ranging offer. The current retail vendors include:

• The Crypt: horror themed shop, offering clothing, make up, jewellery and shoes (new for 2024)
• Funky Global: ethically sourced home decor, tables, mirrors, mosaics, pottery
• General Store: cheese, fresh fruit and veg, craft beers, soaps, candles, ambient items, greetings cards
• Happi Place: fun, alternative pop culture and nostalgic themed paper goods, jewellery, pins, cards and prints from UK based makers (new for 2024)
• Her Brand: offering eyebrows and lash treatments as well as make up and tooth gem applications (new for 2024)
• Inertial: vinyl records, music merchandise, prints, CDs, cassettes, turntables
• Kel'made: custom wooden and acrylic pieces made with a laser and made to order gifts (new for 2024)
• Oisin Vintage: vintage clothing, crochet clothing, jewellery, wedding dresses, accessories and shoes
• Peppermint Jones: home accessories, artwork, candles, soft furnishings, interior accessories
• The Strand Collective: art supplies, books, cameras, film camera repairs and servicing, camera loans

Delivering a diverse and successful events programme across both the food hall and market area, the monthly 'Blackpool Makers Market' (hosted by The Strand Collective) and the quarterly Blackpool Record Fair (hosted by Inertial Sounds) are some examples of key events taking place in the retail side, each drawing hundreds of visitors to the market.

These events take place within the markets dedicated 'Space to Create', hosting around 70 community events alone in the past year. Ranging from pop-up shops, children's parties, themed markets and fairs, community events, charity workshops, art and photography workshops and more - the events programme at Abingdon Street Market has really made an impact.

The Space to Create area is currently free to hire, and the team are looking to expand the selection of events held in the retail side of the market next year.

First birthday celebrations

Join Abingdon Street Market as they celebrate their first birthday for retail with a weekend of events:

Live music will be performing on the retail acoustic stage on Sunday 24 November, 12:30pm - 3:30pm, with local singers Sophie and Tanya.

The Strand Collective will also be hosting the Blackpool Makers Market on Sunday 24 November, 10am - 5pm, with 12 additional traders expected.

Birthday treats! Some of the retailers will be offering exclusive discounts, and there may be some free birthday treats available at the General Store (subject to availability).

If you cannot make the birthday celebrations, do not worry - the Christmas at Abingdon Street Market programme is now in full festive swing.

Christmas

With six full weeks of dedicated events, markets, live music, choir performances, free kids Christmas parties and bottomless brunches - there is something for all the family.

The retail side of the market will be offering late night shopping again this year. The dates for this are 5, 12, 19 December, 10am - 7pm. The 5 and 12 December will also include local school choirs performing Christmas carols inside the food hall from 5pm.

Councillor Mark Smith, Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment said:

"It's been an incredible year for Abingdon Street Market. The Market has been a key part of our community for generations, and to see the retail side flourish in its first year since reopening is wonderful. "This incredible milestone is not just a celebration of the market itself; it is also an indication that the hard work and creativity of the local traders who bring life and vibrancy to the space every single day. "The support from residents and visitors alike has been huge, and as we reflect on this last year, we look forward to the market continuing to grow as a successful space where local businesses prosper and where community spirit and unique retail experiences come together. "The market is currently ramping up for Christmas with festive events and plenty of opportunities for shoppers to find something special. If you are passing - please do pop in and support - it is a great way to get into the festive spirit whilst helping the community and local economy!"

Jake Whittington, Managing Director of The Little Blackpool Leisure Company Limited, said:

"I would like to say a huge thank you to every single member of the ASM team, our incredible vendors and each customer we have welcomed - your support has been huge in a fantastic 12 months. "To see the retailers continue to thrive and the Space to Create area grow with a wide range of bespoke and community events is great. We are excited to see what the next year has in store for retail, and the market as a whole."

If you are interested in learning more about trading / general opportunities available at Abingdon Street Market, please contact Little Blackpool Leisure Limited.

Abingdon Street Market has received £3.6 million from the UK Government through the Getting Building Fund and £300,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and £90k from the UK Government through the Historic England Heritage Action Zone programme.