ONE of the most popular events in town returns this weekend.

While markets were allowed to stay open for essential items during the November lockdown, last month’s Wilmslow Artisan Market was cancelled to encourage shoppers to stay at home.

Now, with the town in tiered restrictions, Wilmslow Artisan Market is set to make its return on Saturday in Alderley Road.

Denise Valente, director at The Market Co which organises the event, said: “It’s a great opportunity for our traders to get back before Christmas when people are doing their shopping.

“It has been a really tough year for most of our traders as you can imagine.

"I think the people of Wilmslow have really missed us and they will be really pleased to have us back in a very safe way.

"All our Covid-secure measures are going to be in place."

Both The Market Co and its traders have endured tough times in 2020, with many unable to qualify for the Government’s financial support.

But with a vaccine around the corner, and a revived love of shopping local among the public, Denise is upbeat about 2021.

READ > Plea for volunteers at Wilmslow and Alderley Edge charity shops

“We are very much hopeful that people will get the vaccine and we can return to a new normality as quickly as possible,” she said.

“There is a feeling at the moment that the public really want to support local businesses, small businesses, independent traders.”

While outdoor events have been disrupted by Covid, The Market Co adapted to the pandemic with the launch of Artisans Online.

And the website looks set to go from strength to strength thanks to a grant from Cheshire’s local enterprise partnership – which will be spent on a digital marketing consultant.

Denise added: “Artisans Online is going to get a real boost in the next few weeks.

“The site will stay with us for the future, It is not just for lockdown. We want it to work alongside the markets for years to come.”

“I think people’s shopping habits have changed so to have that in place will be a big advantage.”

For more information see themarketco.co.uk