A campaign to help Kendal’s markets flourish again will continue with a pop-up bar and craft fair.

Saturday November 19 will see the Market Hall – located just inside the Westmorland Shopping Centre, off the Market Place – hosting the craft fair from 9am to 4pm.

Councillor Robin Ashcroft, SLDC’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: “Kendal’s markets have an essential “placemaking” role in promoting the town as an attractive place to live and work, as well as an immensely appealing destination to visit from further afield.

“Kendal Mountain Festival is one of our Strategic Cultural Partners and attracts thousands of outdoor enthusiasts from around the world, bringing in more than £4 million to the town during the festival weekend.

“The events we have planned on 19 Novemberwill showcase Kendal’s Market Hall and outdoor market at their best and help to put our town centre firmly on the map for international festival-goers.”

The events at Kendal Indoor Market, which is run by South Lakeland District Council, will enhance what already promises to be a busy and vibrant weekend in the town as it hosts Kendal Mountain Festival 2022.

The pop-up bar with casks and keg lines from Kendal-based craft brewery Gan Yam Brew Co will open from 12pm to 10pm. There will also be hot food from PakPak takeaway.

The events are part of SLDC’s campaign to revitalise the historic indoor and outdoor markets by attracting new customers, increasing footfall and helping to boost the town centre economy.

Chris Talbot, co-owner of Gan Yam brewery, based on Shap Road Industrial Estate, said: “We can’t wait to be involved in such a special day in Kendal town centre’s calendar.

“It feels like it’s come full circle for us – we spent the Saturdays of our youth wandering from one Kendal sports shop to another, before buying a bag of sweets from the indoor market to chew on through a football game at Parkside Road.

“We’re delighted to be quenching the thirst of attendees of SLDC’s craft and arts fair this year.”

Councillor Ashcroft added: “The council sees the markets as being hugely important factors in Kendal’s character and economy moving forward.

“We are fully committed to promoting their long-term future and our Markets Officer is dedicated to creating and maintaining good relationships with traders, encouraging new stallholders and promoting and marketing the indoor and outdoor markets.

“The opening of Kendal College’s Westmorland Campus in the Westmorland Shopping Centre is also a potential catalyst for the markets’ growth and development. Now is an ideal time to think about taking on a stall which could take advantage of this increased footfall.”

If you would like to explore long-term or pop-up opportunities at the market or find out about special introductory deals, email markets@southlakeland.gov.uk