A TOWN in Cornwall is set to trial its own street market and is encouraging local businesses to get involved. 

Newquay is set to trial a street market, building on research that shows that for every £1 spent at a market, £1.75 is spent in local businesses. 

Organised by Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) in collaboration with Cornwall Shop Small and Newquay Farmer’s Market, the 'Newquay Shop Small Market' will initially be trialed on Saturday, May 27 from 10am – 4pm.

Town centre businesses are being encouraged to get involved by developing their market day special offers which Newquay BID will promote via its platforms in addition to Cornwall Shop’s Small’s and Newquay Farmer’s Market’s combined 15,000 social media followers.

Research also shows that for every £1 spent with a small business 63p, stays in the local economy, so any money spent at a market and with small local businesses works much harder for the local economy going forward, according to government research.

The first event will take place on Saturday, May 27 across the town centre from the Old Bank Square Piazza, along Bank Street, and onto the seafront at the Killacourt.

Visitors can expect over 50 stalls, live music, a street food quarter and market specials from local resident businesses.

The launch of Newquay’s market will initially be on a trial basis but, if it proves to drive significant footfall and if the post-event feedback is positive, the team will look to extend it outside of peak holiday seasons.

Newquay BID Manager Mark Warren says, “I have been out in the business community discussing the prospect of introducing an additional market to the town for a few weeks and the response has been very incredibly positive.

"It is evident that markets can drive significant footfall to areas and are being used as a successful and proven means of regeneration and growth across the UK.”

"We have ensured that the gazebo-style layout of market traders will be entirely mindful of local business positions and categories. The street market will exist to enhance the business landscape of the town centre and not compete with it.

"If any businesses wish to create a market day special or operate slightly differently on the day of the event, such as offering tasters or trading from outside their shop windows, we would be delighted to help promote this via the BID’s channels. Please get in touch with me in advance on mark.warren@newquaybid.co.uk.”

Sarah ­Curley of Cornwall Shop Small said: "I am thrilled to be working with Newquay BID and Newquay Farmers Market to bring the Shop Small Market to the wonderful seaside town of Newquay.

"Our fabulous local creatives will be showcasing beautiful artworks and colourful prints, unique locally made ceramics, laidback lifestyle wares, eye-catching jewellery, handmade homewares, a bounty of home-grown flowers and plants as well as summer fashion for kids and grown ups with sustainability at heart."

Caroline of the Farmers Market said: "Newquay Farmers Market has been resident in the town for a few years now and I am so excited to be collaborating to bring a curated local and vibrant selection of our foodie traders to the Newquay Shop Small Market.

Jade Ullrich, founder of Palm Bay Newquay said: "We are really excited about the introduction of a market in Newquay and feel it will embellish the trading environment.

"I believe that a destination market will not only drive footfall but will also increase customer dwell time and make them more likely to spend with local businesses.

"On market day we plan to create an engaging atmosphere for local children including chalking activities.

"We’ll have plenty of free tasters of our new summer menu on offer for adults and we’re hoping to hold a live pancake art demonstration as requested, come and challenge us!"

Alan Richards of The Cornish Oven said: "We think it is fantastic that a market is coming to Newquay.

"Markets are proven to appeal to tourists and locals alike, so for us at The Cornish Oven, it is a no-brainer. 

"This sounds like a great idea for Newquay and will hopefully bring even more people in to come and enjoy themselves in the high streets and the stunning surrounds."