Worcester market operator exits

Traders at Worcester’s city centre markets face an uncertain future after their operator announced it will stop running the events at the end of this year. The specialist food and arts and crafts markets, which line the High Street near the Guildhall, will cease operations under Cotswold Markets’ management. Local residents who rely on these monthly gatherings have expressed concern over the sudden change.

Cotswold Markets cited reduced commercial viability, profitability challenges, and operational constraints as reasons for its departure. The food markets typically occur on the first Saturday of each month, while arts and crafts stalls operate on the second Saturday. Each event usually features between 20 and 25 stalls. The operator’s exit leaves the council scrambling to find a replacement before the holiday season.

Worcester City Council has stated it is actively seeking a new operator for the markets. Councillor Adrian Gregson said the council wants the markets to continue bringing variety and freshness to the city. He added that the authority is open to new ideas and potential themes from prospective operators. Gregson noted that the markets complement existing shops and food outlets in the city centre, helping to boost Worcester’s appeal as a place to visit, relax, and shop.

Georgia Zikking, who runs Bakes by Gee, said she has enjoyed many amazing years at the market. She described the situation as heartbroken for her team, noting that they have built a large customer base over the years. Zikking said the market means more to them than just selling cakes, citing the connections and memories they have created with customers and other traders. She expressed hope that someone will take over the operation so they can return in 2027.

Liz Gerrett, owner of Wychbold Fudge, shared her disappointment on social media. She said her business had only attended a few markets this year but was looking forward to booking more dates next year. Gerrett called herself gutted by the news and hoped a new operator would step in to keep the market going. Other traders have also used social media to appeal for a replacement.

The city’s outdoor weekly market recently underwent its own transition. In September, that market moved from Angel Place to the Cornmarket under a new operator, Bluebell Events. This change followed a council review of the city’s market operations. The specialized monthly markets now face a similar transition, with traders and council members working to secure a successor for the High Street events.