City residents have always known Swansea Market is the jewel in the city centre crown – but now the people of Wales have been finding out too
The final episode of Swansea Market, a documentary series about the colourful life of the Swansea City Centre landmark is being broadcast by BBC 1 Wales this Friday (June 14).
But the programme has already proved a hit with viewers who are acting on what they’ve seen and discovering what the market has to offer for themselves.
Traders at the market say they’ve seen a big increase in the number of people popping into the largest covered market in Wales since the first show was broadcast last month.
And now they’re hoping that the final programme in the series won’t be the last time people will see it.
Cllr Nick Bradley, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Residents have always known that the traders and staff at Swansea Market are stars and now the rest of Wales is discovering that too.
“Swansea Council is investing more than £1m in upgrading the market, including a new roof, so it’s great that tens of thousands of people across the country are finding out why it means so much to us – and many of them are paying a visit.”
Sandy Ellis, who runs Sandy’s Lunchbox in the market with partner Robert Bartlett, said: “There’s been a dramatic increase in the number of visitors to the market since the series has been broadcast.
“Visitors are saying to me they’ve watched the programme and they’re coming to have a look and buy the things they’ve seen on TV. It’s been a really positive experience and a lot of people are saying they don’t realise just how hard the traders work.”
Lisa Wells, City Centre Manager at Swansea Council, said: “There’s been a real buzz about the place since the programme began.
“Swansea is extremely proud of our market and we appreciate the huge variety of stalls, the quality of the local produce and the warmth of the welcome here. It’s fantastic that people are now watching it on TV and coming to visit and experience it for themselves.
“As one of the economic drivers in our city centre, it is also extremely encouraging to be welcoming new shoppers into the market and seeing people support their local traders.”
Traders will be wrapping up the ‘Swansea Market‘ season with a lunchtime event in the market on Saturday June 15 where visitors can meet their favourite star from Swansea Market and enjoy some samples of the culinary delights available, including Moroccan tagine and Welsh cakes.
Have a look at https://www.visitswanseabay.com/swanseamarket for more information about the market
