April 17, 2012 9.56 am This story is over 142 months old

Two new markets come to Lincoln

Tasty and vintage markets: Two new markets are coming to Lincoln, including tasty Italian treats and vintage and retro items.

The Italian food market will trade from two locations this week

Lincoln will be welcoming two new markets in the city centre, for those with an eye for vintage items or an appetite for Italian food.

The Mamma Mia Italian food market will be in Lincoln from April 19 to 22, while the first Bizarre Bazaar market takes place on April 21.

Look out for the red, white and green Italian market in the Cornhill on Thursday and Friday, April 19 (9am-8pm) and 20 (9am-6pm), and again on Saturday and Sunday, April 21 and 22, when it moves to St Mark’s Shopping Centre.

The vintage and retro market will visit Lincoln once a month in different places across the city, from April 21 until October 20.

The first will be held at the top of the High Street, by Kind Bar, and St Martin’s Square Car Park from 10am until 4pm.

Introducing the new markets

Lincoln BIG events and promotions manager Michael Armstrong said: “We are continually trying to offer shoppers and tourists something different in the way of exciting new events and attractions.”

Mamma Mia Italian food market Operator Farhad Rahnama explained: “This is the first time we are bringing the market to Lincoln.

“I am travelling around the UK and trying all the cities and I wanted to see what Lincoln is like. Hopefully it will work well and we can come back again,” he said.

Inspired by London’s Camden Town and Brick Lane, the Bizarre Bazaar market will sell a selection of vintage, retro and modern clothing, jewellery, music and homeware.

Paul and David Hencke of Yak Clothing and Finders Keepers Vintage in The Strait created the market, with the help of Lincoln BIG and local businesses.

Staff from Lola Lo will also be serving shoppers non-alcoholic cocktails from coconut shells as they browse, while Back To Mono provides music.

Paul Hencke said: “The Bizarre Bazaar will create a great opportunity for established businesses to promote and sell their goods from a different area and also offer new, up-and-coming talent the chance to present business ideas for ventures that might not otherwise happen.

“I think that vintage, retro and modern clothing and items for the home are becoming increasingly popular for several reasons, including the knock-on effects of the recession, the fact that people are waking-up to environmental concerns and also because there is a resurgence of interest in people making things for themselves at home.”

Stalls cost £20, but if a business books for more than one event, the price will be reduced to £15. Local businesses already booked for the first event are Tasty Vintage, Back to Mono, La Vida Vintage and Tearaway Vintage.

Lincoln BIG also has a deal with NCP, which allows families to leave their cars in its High Street car park between 5pm and 10pm on Thursdays, for £1.50.