August marks a significant milestone for Urban Foundry as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Marina Market. Building on the success of Uplands Market, which launched the previous year, we recognised the potential and the need for another vibrant street market. This led to the creation of Marina Market in Swansea’s historic Marina area.
Stormy beginnings
The first market in August 2014 was a memorable event, not just for being the inaugural Marina Market but also because it coincided with Storm Bertha. Despite the unexpected weather, we decided to proceed with the event in a safe manner. Gordon Gibson, a legend at both Urban Foundry and our street markets, famously navigated a wet and windy Marina dressed in a huge raincoat, looking like Gandalf, as he organised the stalls to ensure they were secure. It was an unforgettable start, filled with challenges but also a strong sense of community spirit.
A decade of success
Fast forward 10 years, and Marina Market has grown into a tremendous success. Every month, the market hosts over 40 stalls, offering a fantastic array of Welsh produce, treats, hot food, gifts, and crafts. From vinyl records to dog treats, the market is a brilliant place to support small businesses and experience the best of Wales.
A social enterprise with a purpose
Marina Market, like its sister markets at Uplands and Mumbles, operates as a social enterprise. This means that rather than being driven by profit, our market is motivated by a desire to make positive social change.
All the traders at our markets are small businesses, with over half from Swansea and almost all the remainder from the Swansea Bay region. This approach helps to keep as much of the money spent at the markets within the South West Wales economy. All the produce is directly grown or made by the sellers, creating a close connection between customers and producers.
Supporting new businesses
Our markets have always provided a safe and supportive environment for new enterprises to launch and trade. Businesses like Little Valley Bakery, Cyfle I Adeiladu, Naturally Kind Food, and Popty Pizza all used our markets as a launching pad before establishing their own shops.
The birthday celebration
Sunday was a lovely celebration of what we have achieved over the past decade. We are so thankful to the entire team (all of whom were at the market on Sunday), our loyal and superb traders, the National Waterfront Museum, and all our supporters and volunteers. A special thank you also goes to Pixie Cakes for the delicious birthday cake!
Positive words from Babita’s Spice Deli, one of our traders
“The Marina Market was the very first market we traded at as part of Urban Foundry’s Swansea Bay Street Markets (we can’t believe it’s been 10 years since we started there!). It has been an absolutely amazing journey! The local produce market gave us a regular platform to bring our products to customers and helped us develop our customer base.
We have no doubt that it helped us to grow into the well-established, award-winning business that we are today. The impact of the market gave us the confidence and acted as a catalyst to help showcase our products at other markets and larger 1-3 day festivals/events such as The Royal Welsh Show.
It’s been an absolute pleasure to collaborate with the Urban Foundry/Swansea Bay Street Markets team and work alongside other fantastic, artisan, local Welsh producers. We wouldn’t be here without you, thank you.”
Babita Verma, founder of Babita’s Spice Deli
And a word from our market manager, Susie Johnston
“I love markets, and I love market people! We have fabulous traders and great visitors. It is such a privilege to help bring the most wonderful products to our visitors who come from the local area and all over the world. We have the chance to showcase the very best in food, drink, and crafts that South Wales has to offer. In addition to working with our traders, we also have the opportunity to collaborate with other community organisations; recently this has included the National Waterfront Museum, Dance Days, Tiwn Media, C’est La Vie Choir, Voice of Ukraine Wales, The Chinese in Wales Association, and the amazing British Triathlon World Series Para event.”
Susie Johnston, Swansea Bay Street Markets Manager
Visit the Marina Market
Marina Market takes place from 10 am to 3 pm in Dylan Thomas Square every second Sunday of the month (do check for festive date changes in December).
For more information, please visit www.swanseabaystreetmarkets.co.uk
