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Traders plan more themed markets after festive success

Independent traders in The Walk and Buttermarket are planning more themed street markets next year after a festive vintage event drew significant footfall to the town centre.

People in shop
Shoppers browse vintage stalls at The Walk's festive street market in December
(Becky Eaks)

Why it matters: The success of the recent Very Merry Vintage Street Market has demonstrated an appetite for regular events that bring distinctive shopping experiences to the town centre.

The details: The themed event drew crowds to The Walk and Buttermarket, with 26 traders setting up stalls and The Ipswich Hospital Band playing Christmas carols throughout the day. Deputy mayor Pat Bruce-Browne visited the market.

Person shopping
Twenty-six traders set up stalls for the Very Merry Vintage Street Market(Becky Eaks)
Shop products on display
The themed market drew significant footfall to The Walk and Buttermarket shopping areas(Becky Eaks)

What they're saying: Event co-organiser Becky Eaks, co-owner of The Military Unit in The Walk, said traders are discussing new ideas and themes for more street markets next year.

She said: "The markets really help in getting visitors to venture back into town to rediscover existing shops and discover new ones that have opened. Ipswich independents are striving to reinvigorate the town and work alongside other organisations to encourage footfall to the town centre and ultimately new businesses."

The bottom line: The Christmas 2025 vintage market demonstrated the potential for regular street markets to bring visitors back to the town centre, with organisers now planning future events to build on this success.

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Despite a lack of promotion, the big reveal drew a good crowd of passersby

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