Spooky characters Jack Skellington and Sally Finkelstein, from The Nightmare Before Christmas, towered over shoppers among the busy stalls.
Shoppers and traders got into the Halloween ‘spirit’ when thousands headed into Sutton Coldfield town centre for a second successful Farmers’ Market.
Spooky characters Jack Skellington and Sally Finkelstein, from The Nightmare Before Christmas, towered over shoppers among 49 stalls, many of which were decked out in spooky decorations for the event on Sunday, October 30.
Prizes were handed out to the Best Halloween Costume and Best Decorated Stall, while free face painting gave youngsters the chance to get a spooky new look ready for trick and treating.
The market, organised by Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID), is just one of the BID’s ideas to raise the profile of the town – following the launch of a vibrant new ‘Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield’ brand – with special events, competitions and improvements designed to make it a destination to spend time, eat, drink, shop and relax.
Michelle Baker, Sutton Coldfield BID Manager, said
“The Halloween market was a monster success, with a fantastic atmosphere again and lots of people in the town centre.
“When we first announced these new markets, we urged local people to come along and support them, and the response has been amazing.
“We had a bit of a Halloween scare at one point, when we saw the weather forecast, but on the day it was mainly dry and thousands of people came along.
“We had lots of very positive feedback too, about how good the stalls were, and also about how good it was to see so many people in the town centre.
“Sutton residents really want to see the town centre succeed, and we are doing everything we can to organise more attractions and events, to bring that feel-good factor.”
The market, which also featured free entertainment, was the second in a three month trial which, if community support continues, will become a year-round event, 12 months of the year.
For Christmas, the BID has also announced six weekends of free town centre attractions, including a giant snow globe, Breakfast with Santa events and festive characters including the Grinch.
If you are interested in trading at the new Farmers & Craft Market, please contact Michelle Baker email bidmanager@suttoncoldfieldtowncentre.co.uk
