Swindon Eclectic Market has 'amazing' summer event at MECA

Sisters Emily and Beth Hughes and their friend Savannah Ward held their first Eclectic Market event in April, bringing together their small businesses and other local artisan vendors.

Following the success of their launch, they were delighted to host an even bigger event on Sunday, August 4 at MECA, which the trio organise around their full-time jobs. 

Emily said: “It was amazing, a great steady flow of people. All the vendors were chuffed with how they did, lots of people were asking to come back and have already booked on for our Christmas events on November 24 and December 8, which will both be really busy and exciting.

“I had so much adrenaline all day running around and I was so happy. There’s such a lead up to the day and it’s so exciting. The three of us who do it are all family – Savannah is my best friend but basically going to be my sister because she’s having a baby with my brother.

"So it’s three sisters who put so much love and energy into it, things couldn’t possibly ever not work out for the best, we all really motivate each other and we all work really hard and work well together as a team.

“We have a huge family and they all come and chip in on the day, helping the vendors set up and carrying things to the car. The whole vibe is a family-fun-filled day and I think that’s because of everyone who helps us as well. A lot of people have seen the events online and travelled from outside of Swindon and surrounding areas to come to the market.

“I think there were around 59 or 60 vendors and the market is really focused on handmade, hand-sourced goods rather than mass produced things. 

“A lot is handmade jewellery and crafts, I personally sell crystals and a lot of stalls are focused on ethics and eco-friendly products, like vegan and cruelty free soaps. There’s a massive range which is the point really because our intention is to have something that is a range for everyone.

"Jordy’s Kitchen was out the front and everyone enjoyed their food, it was absolutely delicious.

“Our highlight of the day was definitely giving away a £50 golden ticket for someone to spend at a stall of their choice. The winner was so happy and she ended up spending it on a beautiful bangle from Charlie at Wildwood Jewellery.”

Some of the local businesses that were selling their unique products included Wildwood Jewellery, whose owner Charlie crafts handmade pieces using recycled sterling silver, gold and gemstones, Crafty Bean, offering a range of handmade gifts and crafts, ran by sisters Alex and Elizabeth, and handmade soap from Cabin & Cowshed, based in Highworth.

Meanwhile, Emily owns The Hallowed Crystal, selling ethically sourced crystals from around the world, Savannah is a Reiki master and offers holistic healing as well as natural beauty and wellness products and Beth owns U Be You Paint, selling spray paints and arts and crafts products.

And it seems entrepreneurialism runs in the family, as Beth’s son Arlo, 9, of Arlo’s Creations, was the youngest trader at the market, selling handmade cards and badges.

Nine-year-old Arlo of Arlo's Creations makes his own cards and badges (Image: Ellie Barton)

“He did really well and he made £100, he’s a little entrepreneur in the making. It’s a beautiful thing to see. There’s tonnes of kids in our family and some of my nieces and nephews were helping on his stall, it was very sweet", Emily added.