Full Circle: Why We’re Stepping Back Onto the Market Scene

A Note from Katharine: If you’ve been following our journey for a while, you’ll know that The Soar Trading Co. has called the Market Place in Kegworth home since 2012. But our roots actually go a little deeper into the East Midlands soil. Recently, you might have spotted us packing up the van and popping up with stalls further afield. This week, I wanted to take a look back at where it all began, why we've returned to our roots, and give you the ultimate guide on where to find our stalls across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire throughout 2026.

There is a very specific energy to a vibrant market morning. It’s the sound of gazebos clattering up at dawn, the smell of fresh coffee cutting through the crisp air, and the chatter of early-bird shoppers catching up with makers.

For us, that energy is where everything started. Long before we had our beautiful shop window in Kegworth, we were traders on Loughborough Market back in 2009. We learned the retail ropes on those cobblestones—learning how to chat with customers while our fingers froze, how to anchor a stall in a gale, and most importantly, how much people value buying things directly from someone who genuinely cares about what they’re selling.

When we opened our permanent shop doors in 2012, we poured all that market energy into our four walls. But running an independent high street shop over the last few years has been a rollercoaster. From lockdowns to relentless road closures, we’ve had to adapt constantly.

And that adaptation has brought us full circle. It was time to get back out on the road.

Why Markets Matter (The Heartbeat of What We Do)

Stepping back onto the market scene wasn't just a business decision; it was a personal one. In a world where you can buy almost anything with a mindless double-click on your phone, proper markets offer something retail giants can never replicate: human connection.

Markets force a high street to wake up. They turn a quiet Sunday morning into a destination. When we take our curated collection of British-made goodies out on the road, we aren't just selling a Yorkshire candle, a card, or a bag of Harth chocolate—we are trading stories, getting feedback face-to-face, and reminding people of the joy of discovering "just good stuff" in person.

The "Tiggi Stamp" – How We Choose Our Events

We don’t just pop up anywhere. Just like the strict curation we use for our shop shelves, we are very particular about the markets we join. We look for events that value true craftsmanship, community spirit, and independent talent.

We love serving our local communities right across the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire border area. Whether you're in Castle Donington, Long Eaton, or the middle of Nottingham and Derby city centers, we've picked a stellar lineup of markets that treat their traders like family and their visitors like guests.

Come and Find Us In Person: Our 2026 Market Calendar

If you want to make a morning of it, grab a coffee, and support some incredible local independent businesses, here is exactly where you can find The Soar Trading Co. out and about:

🏨 Kegworth Market (Our Home Turf!)

• Location: Market Place, Kegworth Village

• The Vibe: Our home market—come and find us right on the doorstep! It’s the perfect community morning to see the village coming back to life.

• Our 2026 Dates:

  • Sunday 20th September

  • Sunday 1st November

🏠 The Garage Market, Chilwell

• Location: The Garage, Chilwell/Beeston Border

• Time: 10am–2pm | Free Entry

• The Vibe: Nottinghamshire's biggest weekly market, bringing together up to 50 of the highest quality craft, vintage, food, and drink traders. With over 200 roof skylights flooding the hall with light, it's the perfect destination for a weekend browse.

• Our 2026 Dates:

  • Saturdays: 6th June | 24th October | 12th December

  • Sundays: 19th July | 20th September | 15th November

🥕 Derby Farmers' Market

• Location: Derby Market Hall & Osnabruck Square, Derby City Centre

• Time: 10am–3pm | Free Entry

• The Vibe: One of Derby's most exciting and fastest-growing markets with 45+ stalls. Expect fresh produce, artisanal bakes, handcrafted gifts, and live entertainment throughout the day.

• Our 2026 Dates:

  • Sunday 28th June

  • Sunday 26th July

  • Sunday 25th October

  • Sunday 29th November

  • Sunday 20th December

🌽 SB Farmers' Market — Sutton Bonington Campus

• Location: Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham

• Time: 11am–3pm | Free Entry

• The Vibe: A fantastic student-run market showcasing a wonderful range of local producers—from sweet treats, fresh bread, and hot food to seasonal craft stalls.

• Our 2026 Dates:

  • Wednesday 3rd June

  • Wednesday 5th August

  • Wednesday 2nd September

  • Wednesday 7th October

  • Wednesday 4th November

  • Wednesday 2nd December

🌾 Sutton Bonington Country Show

• Location: Sutton Bonington Village

• Date: Sunday 6th September 2026, 10am–5pm

• The Vibe: A much-loved, traditional one-day country show running since 1987. It features one of the best horticultural shows in the area, wonderful family attractions, and profits support local charities like the Nottingham Breast Institute. (Tip: The Nottsbus On Demand service can make getting there a breeze!)

🌟 Charnwood Campus, Loughborough (Private Events)

• Location: Charnwood Campus, Loughborough

• The Vibe: Exclusive, intimate private shopping events in a relaxed setting.

• Our 2026 Dates:

  • Wednesday 17th June

  • Wednesday 9th December

Can't Make It in Person?

If you can’t make it out to see our gazebos or step into the Kegworth shop floor, the virtual doors are always open! You can shop our full collection of handpicked British gifts and treasures anytime online at www.soartrading.co.uk.

Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date with our latest market maps, new arrivals, and behind-the-scenes moments.

The high street might be changing, but the market square is alive and kicking—and we are absolutely here for it.

Katharine x