While internet shopping is now a firm festive favourite of many, Buckingham Markets have been quietly bucking the trend. The food, essentials and flea markets have been building in popularity over the last few years and now offer a unique, popular and extremely varied range of products and services. As well as decent quality basics at good prices, you’ll find a wide selection of local produce including artisan cheese, street food, handmade products, mixed amongst international flavour – a handy place to pick up your Asian food favourites and eco-friendly jewellery from Ecuador.

Eco-friendly options have been multiplying, new trader Rolling Oats offer completely packaging free products – a brilliant way to pick up store cupboard stables while reducing your waste, and many other stalls are working towards being plastic free. Shopping with your local traders creates other environmental benefits – reducing the food and product miles of the items you buy.

Some of this success has been credited towards Buckingham Markets presence online – linking all that Buckingham has to offer as a thriving market town and tourist destination. Footfall from visitors further away has significantly increased. Market days create a fabulous atmosphere and attract many customers to make purchases and explore the local shops, cafés and restaurants. The Town Council thanks the traders and customers for sticking with their local market throughout several lockdowns and helping it grow so positively.

The Saturday Flea Market is also flourishing. Outdoor flea markets are a vintage gem in themselves – not many still survive across the country, while Buckingham’s continues to grow. Flea markets are a wonderful way to shop, offering a unique selection of vintage, antique and curious items for the home.

As well as being a fantastic way to pick up truly unique gifts, the Flea Market offers environmentally conscious choices – reducing the consumption of new goods, in favour of the old. New gazebos, arriving in the first week of December allow the market to continue in all weathers.

Russell Cross, Buckingham Markets Manager, told us: “Buckingham market is thriving – the variety of stalls has really increased over the last few years with lots of regular stalls and shoppers. It’s become a social hub, shoppers come to meet friends and sit down in a café for tea as well as shop. This compliments local businesses and bring hundreds of new customers into the town.”

Cllr. Robin Stuchbury, Chair of the Town Centre & Events Committee told us: “Throughout the year the markets have been a great success for the community; bringing everyone back together. Thanks to the efforts of the Market Manager and the team that supports them. This success has been important for the financial well-being of the market going forward and only possible through due diligence and being proactive. We’re looking to invest in the markets future including new gazebos for the Flea Market. The events committee will continue to work to support the market, as it did in the summer with its summer market entertainment programme, both for its own good and to support the wider economy of Buckingham. Thank you for continuing to support out our town market.”

Interested in joining the market? Email Russell, our Markets Manager with any enquiries: markets@buckingham-tc.gov.uk