A popular street market which attracted thousands of visitors last year is set to return at the end of the month, following funding from the North East Mayor Kim McGuinness.
The bi-monthly street markets are organised by food market specialists Baccanalia and sponsored by Karbon Homes. This year, Stanley-based participatory arts organisation, The Forge, have also joined as a partner to help the events become cultural as well as commercial hubs.
Sizzling street food, fire pits, toasted marshmallows and family friendly entertainment will await visitors to the Stanley winter warmer market on Friday 27 February at Stanley Front Street running from 3pm to 8pm.
A curated line up of traders will serve hot comfort food, sweet winter indulgences and warming drinks while entertainment by ‘The Dinnerladies’ will bring comedy, music and interactive fun to the streets. Visitors will also encounter a spectacular walkabout Time Machine act, featuring two Victorian explorers who will perform magic, mind reading tricks and curious demonstrations.
Building on the success of last year’s free events, which attracted an estimated footfall of over 6,500 visitors across four events, organisers are encouraging local residents to come out in force and show their support again this year to help revive the town and encourage people to come back to the high street.
The three organisations were successful in securing £34,000 from the North East Mayor’s Events and Festivals Fund. The additional funding will help to expand and grow the street food market, which will run until October 2026.
After receiving praise and positive feedback from the four market events last year, organisers promise this year’s events will be even bigger and better, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Many of the local businesses on the high street are in support of the initiative as it has not only helped to bring the local community together but has also boosted footfall on the high street.
With Karbon owning and managing one in four homes in Stanley, the continued programme of street food markets is part of its place shaping mission to help deliver positive change in the town.
Victoria Keen, Strategic Place Partnership Lead at Karbon, said: “Since April 2025 when the first market was organised, we’ve had a great response from the community who are supportive of this initiative. The street market has grown from strength to strength and local residents and organisations are proud of Stanley and where they live. It demonstrates the true meaning of collaboration where multiple people and organisations work together with a common purpose.
“It’s exciting to see the first street market of the year coming up at the end of this month and a lot of work has gone on into making it a success. We are very grateful to Baccanalia, The Forge and all our partners for making this possible.”
Now, more than 120 individuals representing in excess of 60 organisations including Karbon, the county council, town council, local charities, Durham University and Beamish Museum are working together with one common purpose – to help revive the town and create a vibrant feel for local residents who are proud of their roots.
The Forge have been working to bring in local groups and people as well as creating a network of performers, creatives and cultural offers while Baccanalia have arranged for a variety of street food vendors as well as supporting local organisations and businesses to become street vendors and to improve their offers.
Thomas Wales, Director of Baccanalia, said: “We wanted to create something that felt genuinely cosy and uplifting for February. The Winter Warmer is all about good food, glowing lights, free entertainment and giving people a reason to come into town, spend time together and shop local.”
Phil Whitcherly, Director of Economic Growth & Innovation at the North East Combined Authority said: “There is an amazing community spirit in Stanley already, but events like these are so important for bringing people together, and showcasing local talents.
“The Mayor’s Events and Festivals Fund is all about boosting the creative sector, from supporting small venues, creating opportunities for talent, and enabling events that engage communities and celebrate our culture.
“We’re delighted that we are able to help keep the Stanley Street Market returning to the heart of town through 2026, breathing vibrancy into the high street and giving local artists and artisans the opportunity to showcase their wears in the community.”
The dates for the next four markets are on the following Fridays: 10 April, 12 June, 14 August and 9 October 2026.
A popular street market which attracted thousands of visitors last year is set to return at the end of the month, following funding from the North East Mayor Kim McGuinness.
The bi-monthly street markets are organised by food market specialists Baccanalia and sponsored by Karbon Homes. This year, Stanley-based participatory arts organisation, The Forge, have also joined as a partner to help the events become cultural as well as commercial hubs.
Sizzling street food, fire pits, toasted marshmallows and family friendly entertainment will await visitors to the Stanley winter warmer market on Friday 27 February at Stanley Front Street running from 3pm to 8pm.
A curated line up of traders will serve hot comfort food, sweet winter indulgences and warming drinks while entertainment by ‘The Dinnerladies’ will bring comedy, music and interactive fun to the streets. Visitors will also encounter a spectacular walkabout Time Machine act, featuring two Victorian explorers who will perform magic, mind reading tricks and curious demonstrations.
Building on the success of last year’s free events, which attracted an estimated footfall of over 6,500 visitors across four events, organisers are encouraging local residents to come out in force and show their support again this year to help revive the town and encourage people to come back to the high street.
The three organisations were successful in securing £34,000 from the North East Mayor’s Events and Festivals Fund. The additional funding will help to expand and grow the street food market, which will run until October 2026.
After receiving praise and positive feedback from the four market events last year, organisers promise this year’s events will be even bigger and better, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Many of the local businesses on the high street are in support of the initiative as it has not only helped to bring the local community together but has also boosted footfall on the high street.
With Karbon owning and managing one in four homes in Stanley, the continued programme of street food markets is part of its place shaping mission to help deliver positive change in the town.
Victoria Keen, Strategic Place Partnership Lead at Karbon, said: “Since April 2025 when the first market was organised, we’ve had a great response from the community who are supportive of this initiative. The street market has grown from strength to strength and local residents and organisations are proud of Stanley and where they live. It demonstrates the true meaning of collaboration where multiple people and organisations work together with a common purpose.
“It’s exciting to see the first street market of the year coming up at the end of this month and a lot of work has gone on into making it a success. We are very grateful to Baccanalia, The Forge and all our partners for making this possible.”
Now, more than 120 individuals representing in excess of 60 organisations including Karbon, the county council, town council, local charities, Durham University and Beamish Museum are working together with one common purpose – to help revive the town and create a vibrant feel for local residents who are proud of their roots.
The Forge have been working to bring in local groups and people as well as creating a network of performers, creatives and cultural offers while Baccanalia have arranged for a variety of street food vendors as well as supporting local organisations and businesses to become street vendors and to improve their offers.
Thomas Wales, Director of Baccanalia, said: “We wanted to create something that felt genuinely cosy and uplifting for February. The Winter Warmer is all about good food, glowing lights, free entertainment and giving people a reason to come into town, spend time together and shop local.”
Phil Whitcherly, Director of Economic Growth & Innovation at the North East Combined Authority said: “There is an amazing community spirit in Stanley already, but events like these are so important for bringing people together, and showcasing local talents.
“The Mayor’s Events and Festivals Fund is all about boosting the creative sector, from supporting small venues, creating opportunities for talent, and enabling events that engage communities and celebrate our culture.
“We’re delighted that we are able to help keep the Stanley Street Market returning to the heart of town through 2026, breathing vibrancy into the high street and giving local artists and artisans the opportunity to showcase their wears in the community.”
The dates for the next four markets are on the following Fridays: 10 April, 12 June, 14 August and 9 October 2026.
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