Market at the Moon - Bristol Business of the Week
Posted on: 09 Jun 2014Our Bristol Business of the Week goes to Market at the Moon which is an outdoor market held every Saturday in Stokes Croft in the space between Attic Bar and The Full Moon. 365Bristol caught up with organiser Rosie McLay to ask her about what goes on there each week and why you should go down and help support the local and independent traders between noon and 6pm each Saturday that you are in the area.
When did you set up Market at the Moon?
The market at the moon was set up in the Summer of 2012 as part of the Stokes Croft market, which unfortunately is no longer running. The market is now the only all year round market in Stokes Croft and the surrounding area. It has a much more relaxed atmosphere than other Bristol markets, and welcomes all kinds of traders.
Are you from Bristol?
I'm not from Bristol, no. I moved here three years ago to study Drawing and Applied Arts at University. I first got into the market through meeting Jo Buttons who was running it at the time. I started helping out and selling my artwork there which helped me gain a lot of confidence that you really can make a living from art making!
How’s it going?
The market can get bustling and busy, but a lot of the time it's fairly quiet, which is a nice way to spend the day and a more enjoyable atmosphere to shop in. It's very hard to predict how each market is going to go, weather, other events, bank holidays, the sports on the telly, can all influence how each weekend goes!
How can people get involved?
Traders get involved with the market either online on our online booking form or they email me at marketatthemoon@gmail.com. The pitches cost £10 a day, with tables provided for a small donation.
How do you find running a community organisation in Bristol?
Running the event can be quite an emotional ride! Most of the time it is the most satisfying job that I wouldn't give in for anything, particularly when you think how important it is to continue something like this in the area. The worst thing for me is when traders don't make much money, i feel personally responsible for traders sales, especially if it knocks their confidence - defeats the point of running the market!
Where do you like to eat out in Bristol?
I eat out a lot. Every Saturday I treat myself to a take away after the knackering day at the Full Moon. On the day I have a pulled pork baguette with chips from the Full Moon kitchen, so big that me and my boyfriend can share it. Then when I eat out I either go to the Easton Express - (really affordable and so tasty!), Pieminister or Street Food Thai.
What's your favourite place in Bristol?
My favourite place in Bristol... I'm between The Island on Nelson Street or Gloucester Road on the weekend. I love The Island because of all the interesting people there, at first I thought it was filled with practicing artists but it's also performers, musicians, actors and more, all in a building that used to be a police station! Gloucester Road when the butchers get out the BBQ, the shops set up stalls outside and it's bustling with loads of people, I love it. You make friends with the shopkeepers really fast up there, it makes you realise just how boring it is shopping in the larger retail outlets.
Where do you see Market at the Moon in 5 years time?
I think I see the Market at the Moon being larger, and perhaps at different locations through the month. I love being right at the start of Stokes Croft, we give new visitors the first impression of what Stokes Croft has to offer, and the Full Moon is one of my favourite pubs to go to. Soon however, I want to take the market to places like St Andrews park, be closer to the local residents that don't normally walk passed the Full Moon into the center. I think the market would really suit an even quieter setting, and St Andrews park is always filled with the kind of people that I think would appreciate a local market. So maybe every Saturday at the Full Moon and every Sunday in St Andrews Park! But also at festivals in the summer. Who knows! Five years feels like a long time away.
What advice would you give to community organisations in need of funding, volunteers or extra members/support?
In terms of giving others advice, I can't offer much about funding and support as i'm probably wanting that advice myself, but the main thing with a community organisation, is to remember that a lot of the time, the people you are working with are happy to help. Don't forget that others are just as capable of doing what you need help with, and when you accept a helping hand you build a strong team that will do so much more than one pair of hands.
If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?
If I were the mayor for a day... i'm sure some people could come up with some amazing ideas, but i'd probably just spread the Make Sunday Special up to Stokes Croft. It's so nice going into town and the whole City getting together for a good daytime party!
Contact Market at The Moon on Facebook, Twitter or email marketatthemoon@gmail.com.
Website : www.marketatthemoon.com.
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
