Markets support Small Business Saturday

Shoppers are being encouraged to support Kettering businesses next month for Small Business Saturday.

The event, on 3 December, is a grassroots, UK-wide campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to shop local.

Kettering Town Council is working to get shoppers into the town with a series of events this Christmas.

On Saturdays throughout the festive period, the council is running Christmas markets in the Market Place – and encouraging local traders to come and hire a stall.

The markets feature a range of stalls, including craft and gifts as well as food and drinks. There will also be a range of festive entertainment on each Saturday.

Fees for the Christmas markets are set at just £20 per pitch, including stall and equipment, to encourage local start-ups and independent traders.

As well as the markets there will be a Christmas grotto where children can come and meet Santa. The council is also running a 12 Days of Christmas Trail where children find clues hidden in shops around the town before claiming a free prize at the end.

On 3 December the entertainment at the Market Square and around the town will include Kettering Silver Band, live broadcasting from Shire Sounds, festive fun from some cheeky elves as well as balloon modelling, bubbles and storytelling.

Cllr Craig Skinner, Chair of the Markets and Events Committee said: "One of the Town Council's main priorities to get more people in to the town centre to support our local businesses and traders. Small Business Saturday is a really good way of highlighting all the fantastic local traders we have here in Kettering. It's a great opportunity to do your Christmas shopping – and bring the family and enjoy Christmas in the town."

Businesses who would like to trade at the general market, on Saturdays and Wednesdays throughout the year, can also take advantage of a special offer of having the first two weeks of trading free – with stalls costing £12 thereafter.

Any traders wishing to book a stall can do it online on our markets page.