Excitement ahead of new market at Swindon Orbital shopping park

The new monthly market is set to open at the Orbital on February 24, having been organised by the owners of the Sugar Shack cake shop.

The market will be open to the public for the first time this month and owner Elly Ireland says that excitement is starting to build. 

As the market's debut quickly approaches, Elly told the Adver: "I am excited - it’s needed within the area, it’s a new venture and I think people will enjoy having it here."

Elly Ireland and her partner Dean are starting a new market in Swindon The market is scheduled to take place on the last weekend of each month and will consist of approximately 28 stalls just outside the Boots area of the Orbital.

There will be food options, retail, artisan bakery, craft and more.

"I have noticed a few comments around people asking for it to be weekly however it’s not viable to have this as it takes away the excitement," Elly explained.

"There will be new stalls each month too so it will always be something extra to look forward too."

The Orbital will soon be home to a monthly market Elly and her partner Dean started Sugar Shack in 2022 and it has gone from strength to strength, leading them to his new adventure. 

They believe the Orbital is a prime location with footfall in excess of 20,000 on the weekends, but it lacks local businesses and independents, which gave them the idea for a market.

"We are a huge believer of supporting independent and this will allow traders to showcase their products to the wider community while giving north Swindon something to look forward to," Elly said. 

"This market will be more of a higher-end market but also will have something for everyone."

A leaflet for the new Orbital market (Image: Elly Ireland)The first market will take place on February 24, and will run from 10am to 4pm. 

The pair have been asking for traders and interested business owners to send in applications to be among the handful of stalls at the first market, and there has been a significant amount of interest already registered. 

Mr Ireland added: “It’s been about a year we’ve been trying to get this done so we can’t wait, it’s a new market but for us, it’s a community thing making sure everyone gets what they want from it.”