Barnsley Council to launch new specialist and seasonal markets

Barnsley Council is starting a new programme of specialist and seasonal markets across the borough later this month.  

These markets will bring new shopping ideas, fun family events, and fresh chances for local makers and traders to sell their work. 

The markets will take place in Wombwell, Penistone, Hoyland and Goldthorpe, giving residents and visitors something new to enjoy all year round alongside our traditional markets, which will continue to run one day a week. 

From secondhand baby goods events to food festivals, vintage markets, charity days and creative workshops, each location will benefit from a mix of themes carefully planned throughout the year.

The programme includes a variety of different themed events, such as: 

• Secondhand Saturdays – helping people reuse, recycle and find low-cost items. 
• Bites and Brews – celebrating tasty local food and drink. 
• Creators’ Collective – showing off local artists and makers. 
• Little Green Market – focusing on flowers, plants and eco-friendly and sustainable products.
• Summer Festivals – with fun activities and community celebrations. 
• Seasonal favourites like Harvest, Halloween and Christmas Markets.

The improved market offer will begin with spring markets in Goldthorpe and Wombwell on Saturday 28 March, in Penistone on Saturday 4 April and in Hoyland on Saturday 11 April. 

The specialist markets will then launch on Saturday 25 April. After that, these themed markets will rotate between the towns. 

These new markets are part of Barnsley Council’s work to support local businesses, bring people together, and make our town centres busy and welcoming places to visit. 

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said:

“We are excited to bring these new markets to Barnsley. 

“People told us in surveys earlier this year that they wanted more fun, creative and sustainable markets – and we listened. 

“We’re excited to see these markets bring people together, support local traders, and create a real buzz across the borough. We can’t wait to see everyone enjoying them.” 

The new programme will give traders regular chances to sell their goods while offering visitors lots of fun activities throughout the year.  

Our Place Management Team will work with local businesses, community groups and independent traders to make sure each market has a strong local feel. 

Supporting our markets is an important part of helping our high streets stay busy, welcoming and enjoyable places to shop. 

More details, including event listings, will be shared soon our Local Markets page and the Barnsley and District Markets Facebook page. 

We would love to hear from small businesses or market traders who want a stall at our seasonal and specialist markets. You can get in touch by emailing placemanagement@barnsley.gov.uk. 

This renewed investment in our Principal Towns markets aims to ensure that everyone can share in our vision to make Barnsley the place of possibilities. 

It also supports the aim under our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy to empower all our communities to thrive.