The popular Ay-Up Market returns to Nottingham city centre from Friday 28 March to Sunday 30 March 2025 for its fourth year, and is bigger and better than ever! Organised and funded by It’s in Nottingham - the city’s Business Improvement District, with support from Nottingham City Council, this year’s celebration of independent, Nottingham-based retailers and creatives will take place in Old Market Square. Expanding onto Smithy Row, this vibrant community event will bring even more independent traders, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere in the heart of Nottingham city centre.
The Ay-Up Market will be open from 11am to 6pm on Friday 28 March, 10am to 6pm on Saturday 29 March and 11am to 5pm on Sunday 30 March. Free and family-friendly, the market is open to all ages and is an annual highlight in Nottingham’s Old Market Square, bringing residents and visitors together to celebrate the true community spirit of Nottingham.
Last year’s market featured over 60 vendors offering everything from food and drink to arts and crafts, providing a unique platform for independent businesses. This year, the event welcomes more than 80 stallholders, showcasing a diverse selection of products, including freshly baked goods, sweet treats, fine wine and liquors, vintage clothing, plants, skincare, homeware, arts and crafts, handmade jewellery, and pet accessories. All these products will be available from local independent retailers during the three-day event.
Shoppers can discover new businesses like WooSun Choi, JJ Crochets, Knit Nottingham, Lenity Candles, and Molly Designs, alongside returning favourites such as Neurodesigned, Shop Zero, Riviera Iced Tea, HALLO Ceramics, Gee and Gees, and Beeston Brownie.
The main stage, curated by Rastarella from Cultural Vibrations (Unity Through Music), will feature an eclectic mix of folk, indie, gospel, blues, reggae, soul, and global beats.
Arts and crafts, led by the team from Positively Empowered Kids, will be free and open to all ages, offering a fun and interactive space for artistic expression. For even more family-friendly fun, the event will feature hook-a-duck, free face painting, and balloon modelling – ensuring entertainment for everyone!
This year, we have introduced a new bead and craft workshop which will be hosted by The Bead Shop - there will be a charge for these pre-bookable activities.
Visitors can also indulge in a variety of global cuisines, from Malaysia to Mexico, with delicious offerings from traders like –
● Syiok-Lah (award-winning Malaysian street food)
● Notty BaBa
● Poblano Eatery (Mexican-inspired dishes)
● Dirty Chicken
For those with a sweet tooth, Cheeky Pancakes will be serving up indulgent treats, while Blue Monkey Brewery offers award-winning beers and spirits. Blackbird Coffee will be supplying hot coffee to keep everyone fueled throughout the weekend.
Whether you're a foodie, a music lover, or a supporter of local businesses, Ay-Up Market 2025 promises an unforgettable weekend in Nottingham!
Alex Flint, CEO of It’s in Nottingham, said: “This year’s Ay-Up market is bigger than ever and builds on the success of previous events by offering even more creatives and independent traders an opportunity to showcase their talents. Working together with our partners, the market will once again provide inclusive and accessible experiences for Nottingham’s residents and visitors and bring local people together in Nottingham’s Old Market Square to celebrate the creative and community spirit of Nottingham.”
Cllr Sam Lux, Executive Member for Carbon Reduction, Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “I’m so pleased to see the return of the Ay-Up Market in Nottingham, which will once again showcase the vibrant, creative spirit of our city. It’s more than just a market; it’s a celebration of our phenomenal local artists, makers, and businesses. Offering all sorts of unique products and entertainment, the market is set to be a hit among local residents and visitors from further afield.”
Hannah Byrne, co-owner of Knit Nottingham, said: “We're really excited to be joining so many fellow independent businesses at the Ay-Up Market this year. We've visited in past years as customers and know it'll be a fabulous weekend, celebrating and showcasing so many of the city's talented small businesses – it's great to be a part of that!”
Cristina, owner of Wawoo Mochi Donuts, said: "We are excited to join the Ay-Up Market for the second time. We had a great experience last year, the event was well organised, safe and full of fun. As a new small business, it helped us boost our sales during the event. We met a lot of lovely new people to collaborate with and everyone was so helpful. Most of all, we gained new customers! Thank you to everyone who made this all happen."