Taking the new with the Old – High Street’s monthly markets have been a success

The new street market – which runs along the length of the newly refurbished High Street and into St Mary’s Close – features a growing array of food, drink, crafts and handmade goods stalls.

It began after the re-launch of the scenic area at the Old Town Street Festival in July, and runs on the first Sunday of each month.

Gary Saunders of Saunders Markets, which runs the regular event, said: “It has all been very positive.

“From a retail point of view it’s good, because there was no retail trade in the Old Town on a Sunday and the market has definitely helped that.

“A lot of shops are open on a Sunday now that previously weren’t.

“We now want to look at how to develop the market so it can benefit as many people as possible.”

The company’s Jay Dallas added: “It has grown and grown, and we now have up to 60 traders.

“It has taken on a life of its own. I personally think it is going better than we’d hoped, we have got lots of unique and different things including local crafts.

“Location is everything and the Old Town is perfect for us. We have had nothing but positive feedback.”

The market will be taking a break during January and will return in February, though it may continue on a different weekend each month.,

For more information and the latest updates, visit the market’s dedicated Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HemelHempsteadOldTownSundayMarket