The women who've brought Corby's market back to its historical Old Village heart

A host of traditional stalls along with quirky gift ideas, tasty treats and the finest coffee are all on offer at the Corby Old Village market. Images: Georgia Burns

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The Old Village market is a huge success – with bakers, coffee roasters and florists among traders

It’s been 796 years since Corby was granted the right to hold a market by King Henry III.

And now a group of pals have made it their mission to return the town’s the market to its historic heart once more.

Dani Metcalfe moved back to her hometown of Corby to open a hairdresser’s in the Old Village, and although she loved her life back in Corby, she missed the buzz of London’s quirky street markets. Dani met up with lifelong pal, social worker Tracey Donativo and the pair joined forces to create a unique market in the Old Village.

The Corby Old Village Market takes place on the last Saturday of every month. Images: Georgia Burns

Since it started in May, the monthly Old Village Market has grown in popularity and will next week bring some seasonal sparkle to the area with its first Christmas market featuring a silver band, mulled wine, crafts and gifts.

Tracey said: “Our first market in May had seven traders and we’ve gradually grown. Our October market had 13 stalls.

"It was Dani’s idea really but it’s just taken off. It’s new to all of us so we’re learning as we go along.

"We try not to create competition between traders but we’ve got such a good range. We have a florist, a coffee roaster, a trader selling preserves, an eco refill van, an incredible Indian food stall, and Byrn Bakery from Stanion who were one of the first traders to join us.

The new market is incredibly popular with dog walkers and locals. Image: Georgia Burns

"I think people are enjoying being out and about again after Covid and rebuilding those community networks.

"My 17-year-old niece came along and there were so many people with dogs that she’s started her own stall selling dog treats.

"The traders have their own little community which is lovely. It’s just got great feel to it.

The market takes place in the Cardigan Arms car park in The Jamb, within walking distance of most of Corby and with free car parking across the road.

“Most of our customers are locals but we’ve had an increase in people coming from other areas,” said Tracey.

"People often travel in for the amazing coffee roaster and then end up having a look round all the other stalls.

Photographer Georgia Burns has taken charge of the market’s social media and has helped amass a large, loyal following on Facebook and Instagram.

She said: “It’s had so much support from the existing traders in the old village, which has been fantastic. There’s such a lovely atmosphere. People just like to come and have a coffee and a mooch around.

"Everything here is really good quality and people can walk here, they don’t need to drive.”

The women hope to register as a community interest company in the future, which will allow

The market, which takes place on the last Saturday of every month, is currently looking for a regular fishmonger. You can contact the organisers at [email protected]

The next market is next Saturday, November 26 from 9am until 1pm.