AFTER FIVE months of retail lockdown, South Coast Makers Market is throwing open its doors this Saturday in Bournemouth town centre with a line-up of 45 local businesses.

Visitors can expect a curated collection of high-quality stallholders showcasing talented South Coast creatives alongside a host of local food and drink including Bad Hand Coffee, The Way Outback and Chulli’s Woodfired Pizzas.

Bournemouth’s Independent Makers Market is happening at The Loading Dock on Saturday May 1, located in the heart of Bournemouth behind The Avenue Shopping Centre.

A spokesman from South Coast Makers Market said: “Supporting handmade makers and high street independents is at the heart of what we do, and we are delighted to be reopening with a standout line up of brilliant, innovative local businesses.

“We specialise in showcasing an ever-changing variety of independent businesses at our monthly market, all ran by passionate owners who love what they do.

“For those who can’t make it this week, South Coast Makers Market runs on the first Saturday of every month at Bournemouth’s Loading Dock located behind The Avenue Shopping Centre.’’

Subject to lockdown restrictions, South Coast Makers Market will then continue its monthly markets, hosted on the first Saturday of every month.

Entry to this family and dog friendly market is £1 and free for children. Clear social distancing plans are in place including a one-way system inside, all food service outside, hand sanitiser station on entry and limited tickets.

South Coast Makers Market have made supporting local businesses even easier by introducing their ‘Keep it LOCAL’ loyalty card, offering high-street discounts at 65 independent businesses though out the area with more businesses joining each week.

For just £15 a year (just £1.25 a month) the ‘Keep it LOCAL’ scheme provides customers with a South Coast Makers Market tote bag, along with exclusive discounts and offers from over 65 independent local businesses including discounts from hairdressers, restaurants and wellbeing and fitness businesses.

The spokesman added: “Our highstreets and communities thrive when we choose to support independent, local businesses so we’ve created the Keep it LOCAL card to reward customers who shop at local independents all over the area.”

For more information, visit www.southcoastmakers.com.