#LoveLocal on The Stones Newcastle-under-Lyme
Community supermarket Affordable Foods Stoke have teamed up with Newcastle-under-Lyme Markets, along with BabaBaboon, to deliver a celebration of local and small independent businesses.
The open air event will take place on The Stones market on Thursday 17 December and aims to showcase independent businesses and organisations of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Duane Barrett, whose wife Nikki manages Affordable Foods Stoke, first came up with the idea and has been leading on the organisation of the event. He said: “It all started with a random thought I had, that wouldn’t it be good if, after the year we’ve had, markets could give local independent businesses a free stall to showcase what they do.
“It seems COVID has made people afraid to go shopping and I just thought it would be a great way for these small businesses to regain customer support and for people to feel safe and confident to come out and start shopping local again.
“Newcastle-under-Lyme markets agreed and we’re hoping on the night to have a good mix of independent businesses and community organisations. This is an event with a difference and we already have a wide range of businesses and organisations who have taken a stall.”
Also, on hand in supporting the organisation of the celebration, and there on the evening, will BabaBaboon – a promotional and media company based in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
BabaBaboon’s Creative Director Sonya Farrall said: “This is a great idea from Duane and we are delighted to be working with Affordable Foods and Newcastle-under-Lyme Markets on helping to support this event. We’ll be lending a hand in creating a positive night for people to shop local and support independent businesses, as they look to bounce back from what has been a difficult year.”
In line with current rules and requirements surrounding COVID-19, those taking part will be required to follow current Government guidelines for the safety of themselves, each other and our customers. Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre has existing Covid safety measures in place.
For more information on how to get your business involved with the event which takes place 5-9pm, December 17, contact Affordable Foods by direct message on Twitter @Affordablefood2 and Duane.barrett@ymail.com
Due to the nature of current COVID 19 restriction rules the event may be forced to cancel at short notice.