BEHIND THE SCENES: LIFE AS A MARKET & EVENT ORGANISER

When people think of markets, they picture bunting in the breeze, sizzling street food, and rows of stalls selling handmade treasures. What they don’t always see is the organiser behind it all — the one answering emails late into the night, writing an event plan, chasing invoices, sorting staffing rotas, partnership working, setting up gazebos in the rain, and juggling logistics on the fly.

I’m that person.

And people often ask me: why do you do it?

The truth is: I do it for a lot of reasons.

But at the heart of it, I do it for the traders, high street. And I do it for tourism.

Why I do it. . . For the High Street

In the right context without saturating a town or city, Markets bring life back to high streets. They draw people in, create energy, and give independents a chance to shine. Whether it’s a small-town square or a busy city centre, when you put a market in the mix, everything shifts. Suddenly, there’s foot traffic. Cafés fill up. Local shops see new faces. Streets that were quiet last week are alive with people and conversation.

Markets remind people that the high street is worth showing up for.

Why I do it . . . For Tourism

Markets are also a gateway to discovery. They’re often the first thing visitors stumble upon when they arrive in a town — and if they’re done well, they leave a lasting impression.

A vibrant artisan market tells a tourist, “this town has character.”

It shows them there’s a community here, not just a postcode. They meet local makers, try local food, hear live music — and suddenly they’re not just passing through. They’re exploring. Spending. Staying longer.

And they’re telling other people about it.

In a competitive tourism landscape, where every town is trying to stand out, markets give us a genuine, people-powered edge.

Why I do it . . . For the Traders

I’ve watched people go from selling a few handmade items as a side hustle to launching full-time creative businesses. Markets give them a platform. A first chance. A direct connection to customers they might never reach online.

I do it for them — for the makers, bakers, artists, and independents who pour their hearts into what they do. They deserve a space where their work is seen, valued, and celebrated.

Why I do it . . . For the Community

Markets aren’t just about buying things — they’re about belonging. People meet at markets. They catch up with neighbours, chat with stallholders, and feel connected in a way that’s become increasingly rare.

Markets bring a human rhythm back to our towns.

And Because It’s Not Always Easy

Let’s be honest — not everyone will agree with every decision you make as an organiser. Everyone has an opinion about you. You need broad shoulders and a determination to do the right thing, even if you know it’s going to upset someone. 

It’s part of the role. And while it can be tough, I’ve learned that staying focused on the bigger picture — the health of the high street, the wellbeing of traders, the impact on local tourism — is what keeps you grounded.

Because in the end, you’re not doing this to be popular. You’re doing it to make a difference.

Reinventing, Adapting, Growing

This isn’t a job you can do by standing still. Markets evolve — and so do towns. Sometimes we need to rethink things. Shift a date. Change a format. Try something new.

Whether it’s moving a market from a Sunday to a Saturday to improve footfall, or rebranding a tired event to breathe new life into it, I’m always looking for ways to keep things fresh, relevant, and full of purpose.

Because ultimately, I do this work with one clear goal:

To make people want to come into town again.

That’s Why I Do It

Not for the photos. Not for the compliments. Certainly not for the early starts. 

I do it because I care — about traders, about communities, about towns with empty shopfronts and untapped potential. I care about the energy a market brings. The way it can transform a place for a day, or maybe even for good.

So next time you visit a market and it feels like something special — like a little spark of what the high street couldbe — just know:

That’s why I do it.