Delicious Day Out in Daventry

Daventry Foodies' Market returned on Saturday (07 September 2024) as an array of artisan food, drink and culinary-related traders were welcomed into town to the delight of the many visitors in attendance.

Now in its second year, the specialist market, funded and organised by Daventry Town Council, offers a family-friendly day out, complete with free entertainment including a selection of craft activities, Town Trail, face painting and balloon modelling. Plus, a stilt walking chef joined in the fun and handed out free bottles of bubbles.

The specialist food market was well supported and attracted both local residents and visitors travelling from further afield, all of which enjoyed shopping with the 70+ stallholders, spread along Daventry High Street, Bowen Square, Foundry Walk and Sheaf Street. The market boasted a roster of independent stallholders selling culinary-themed gifts and treats alongside various yummy food and drink vendors. There were also multiple stalls catering for vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and nut-free options, so every dietary requirement was available.

Stallholders including some familiar faces who are always popular with punters, alongside some new stalls for shoppers to sample. Visitors savoured tasty food and drink and shopped for handmade gifts and culinary accessories, while also supporting the town's independent businesses. One returning stallholder said: "We were thrilled to come back to Daventry Foodies Market, as it's such a popular event and makes for a fantastic day of trading. There's great camaraderie between the traders and we met so many lovely people who commented on the fantastic atmosphere within the town."

The delicious day coincided with Heritage Open Days 2024 celebrations within the town, including the nostalgic Heritage Bus Tours provided by Northampton Transport Heritage retuning for their third year. Market visitors also enjoyed free bus rides throughout the day, which recreated some of the old bus routes in and around neighbouring villages.

Additionally, Daventry Museum was open too, marking Heritage Open Days and embracing this year's theme, 'Connections', offering even more for visitors to see and do.

To set the mood for the bustling market, Danetre Ukulele Orchestra performed throughout during the day, providing a vibrant soundtrack for this the day.

Daventry Mayor, Cllr. Karen Tweedale attended the Market and remarked:

"What a jampacked day full of so many wonderful events that complimented each other and showcased Daventry brilliantly. I had a great time meeting many of the visitors in attendance and chatting with various stallholders. I particularly enjoyed the musical interludes from the Daventry Ukulele Orchestra, who added to the joyous atmosphere. Having spoken to many of the Daventry's independent shops and retailers, they also enjoyed extra custom from the increased footfall in the town, which is great for the residents' benefit. I was also thrilled that the team from Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service were able to join us too, as they are one of my nominated Mayoral Charities. They had a stall to help raise awareness about the services they provide."

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Foodies' Market and helped support the event. The many activities taking place in town made for a fantastic atmosphere, with Daventry brimming with visitors.

We can't wait to host our next seasonal market, the Daventry Christmas Market, on Saturday, 23rd November 2024. Further information and updates will follow soon.

Daventry Town Council would like to thank everyone who attended the event. Special thanks go to the stallholders, as well as the brilliant Juice Sound Ltd who provide technical support and equipment.

Daventry Foodies' Market was organised and funded by Daventry Town Council.