Crowds of people flocked to Sheffield’s Victoria Quay to indulge in street food and craft stalls by the water while enjoying the summers day brought on by a surprise heatwave.
Every second Saturday and Sunday of the month from April till September, Sheffield quayside will open its doors for small businesses and food vendors to set up stalls along the canal encouraging Sheffield residents to shop local.
Craft businesses such as Lily’s Crafts, Nidra Collections Jewellery and The Pure Pet Food were a few of many artisanal stalls to cater to customers selling curated items from stunning jewellery to delicious dog treats.
Visitors were also encouraged to sit by the Quayside and indulge in a few of the many award-winning drink and food vendors on the premises. With an eclectic mix of different meals such as Kati Rolls, Gyros and Smash Burgers, market-goers were spoilt for choice.
Vendors including KoolKata, Ey Up Thai and Hungry Homer served up quality food at the Quayside.
DJ Paul Metcalfe (also known as Cirque Du Funk) entertained guests at the water-side bars with a wide range of soul, funk and disco music that could be heard across the Canal.
With the recent expansion of Meadowhall shopping centre, many small businesses fear there is a lack of customers venturing into the city centre and therefore a decline in their trade, forcing them to close.
Small business owner Matthew Crisafi from Nidra Collections Jewellery said: “I believe the importance of independent shopping is to boost the local economy and ensure that local money reaches local pockets.”
Small business owners have said that large companies such as Amazon and Shein also pose a threat to them with many potential customers opting to buy items online rather than seeking local businesses.
Student Monty Smith, 18, said: “I think it’s much more exciting to see the individual creativity of each stall rather than scrolling online for hours. This market has shown me all the great things that local businesses have to offer.”
Events such as the Sheffield Quayside street food and craft market open up opportunities for local businesses to access clientele as well as allowing Sheffield residents to see and buy the unique products and creations that come from within their city.
