International Market traders told to close stalls on opening day after electrical problem
Curi Runi, 25, travelled from Manchester to Nottingham to trade at the event and described the closure of the opening day as a "shame"
By George Palmer-Soady and Mariangel Acosta
Market stall owners travelled from across the country to attend an international market in Nottingham – before being told to stop trading on the opening day due to an electrical problem.
The event, held on Old Market Square, was due to open today (October 9), kicking off five days of food, drinks, arts and crafts from around the world.
Spain, Lithuania, Tunisia, Turkey, Morocco, Ecuador, and France are just some of the countries represented at the market, which involves traders from across the country coming to Nottingham.
But only hours after setting up their stands on Wednesday morning, however, stall owners were told they would have to stop trading for the day due to electrical problems in Old Market Square.
Nottingham City Council told Market Place Europe – the event company – that there was “an issue with mains power” on the square, which meant the original plan to open that day wouldn’t go ahead.
Market stall owners say the issue only affects food and drink vendors. All traders have been told to shut down, however, and return the the following morning.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Unfortunately due to an issue with mains power at Old Market Square, the International Market won’t be opening as planned today (Wednesday 9 October).
“Nottingham City Council and the market operator Market Place Europe are working to ensure that the market will be able to open from 10am tomorrow (Thursday, October 10).”
The council says it has agreed to reduce the rent charged to Market Place Europe, which it hopes will reflect the loss of takings for traders.
“Stallholders are booked directly through Market Place Europe,” the council said, adding that “rents to the traders will be adjusted accordingly”.
Curi Runi, 25, travelled from Manchester to Nottingham to attend the event.
“It’s a shame because we’re going to lose a day of work,” the trader, who runs a jewellery stand, said.
“We are disappointed – we’ve come down just for this. We have been told to close this morning and we’re not really sure what to do now.
“We’ll be here for the rest of the week, though.”
A couple who travelled from the North East with their clothing stall say they feel they shouldn’t have to close.
“It’s a problem for the food and drink stands,” one of the couple, who wished not to be named, said.
“It doesn’t affect us, and we shouldn’t have to lose a day of business because other stands are affected.”
The event will run until October 13 in Old Market Square and will be open from 10am-6pm until Saturday, and 10am-5pm on Sunday.
Explore more
