Virtual market could help thaw Covid chill

There are already more than 50 trader ‘stalls’ set to take part with more coming forward for you to peruse, interpersed with music, a chance to see Santa and an opportunity to win one of 12 bumper hampers worth £100 each.

The event, which will be appearing on an open Facebook page called ‘Sleaford Virtual Christmas Market’, is run by volunteers with Sleaford Town Council. Leading organiser Coun Cara Sandy said it has been a challenging few months pulling it together with shifting Covid rules affecting plans.

She commented: “By October we are normally really buzzing but this time we have been wondering if we are going to pull this off. It is hard for some people unable to leave their homes or see their family. We have tried to make it a happy event and give something back to the community so that we end the year on a high.”

Proceedings will kick off at 11am with Town Crier John Griffiths declaring the market open and then there will be music online throughout the day until 5pm as well as 12 games to play and win selection tubs of Christmas sweets.

You can also enter the free prize draws to win one of the dozen hampers as part of the 12 Market Days of Christmas giveaway.

Coun Sandy said: “We have got lots of craft stalls and home made goods and gifts. For each trader I have put together a 30 second video of images and information promoting their wares with contact details for their website and phone numbers to order.

“These are scheduled to appear at stages through the day, otherwise it would get very confusing if people are trying to look at everything at once.”

If it proves really busy, the organisers will keep the event running beyond 5pm. However, for anyone who misses it, all the videos and details will remain available to view afterwards so that no-one misses out on that must-have gift.

With the help of Sleaford Lions Club, they have recorded a message from Santa for the youngsters and hopefully people will donate to the club’s charitable fundraising.

Coun Sandy hopes to have enough families to send in pictures of their children holding numbers one to ten to count down to the big virtual switch- on of the town’s festive lights display by Mayor Anthony Brand.

Coun Sandy said they took the decision not to go ahead with the main market and go virtual under lockdown in June. They pledged to try to have some physical stalls in the run-up to Christmas, but the second lockdown has curtailed that too, so only essentials can be sold on the market until the restrictions are lifted.

She said it has been extremely challenging having to make all the arrangements by phone and video call: “I couldn’t meet and explain our vision to people. Especially to those who don’t use Facebook groups and virtual events.”

But she said the traders have been very supportive: “Everyone is really excited, working together and promoting each other. Hopefully, people will get some Christmas sales.

“It has made it possible for some smaller producers to join in who would not normally want the overheads of stalls and gazebos on a market. And there is this simple opportunity for return or repeat business after the event.”