The popular ‘Night Market’ at Cardiff’s historical indoor market returned for a one-off Friday-night event, complete with live music and a range of independent traders. But many traders didn’t join this event because they are worried about having to open again early the next day.
This event was the first ‘Night market’ to take place on Friday to celebrate the ‘City of Arcade’ week.
More than 35 events took place in Cardiff’s seven arcades.
But on the afternoon of the event, many traders said they wouldn’t take part.
Kelly Bridgeman, is a florist. Her business in the market is called Secret Garden. She didn’t open late and she said: “I have to open early tomorrow and I think business is a bit better on weekends. So I’m not going to join this evening event and I’ll close on time. I would be happy to attend if the time was changed to Saturday night because it’s a holiday on a Sunday.”
Stuart Hatt-Talbots owns the Hatts Emporium tailor’s shop. He also chose not to take part. He said:” Before the event was held, the manager had asked for our opinion, and we mentioned the timing on our feedback. But as the time of celebration could not be changed, we had no choice to close the store. But I still hope that the evening event will be success.”
Many people in Cardiff said they were looking forward to the event. The Indoor Market manager Louise Thomas said:” I was hoping to actually bring people in who can’t make markets holiday time because the market generally open office hours. So people never managed to get in. They’re always surprised at the building. So it always amazes me how many people actually don’t realize the buildings here, or to realize a second floor to the building. It’s actually trying to celebrate our regular customers, but also bring in new customers to the market.”