Tom Middleton and I are delighted to announce that Shortstown is getting its very own market. The first Shortstown Local Produce Market will be held on Sunday 1 November, from 9.30am to 1pm, on the Square at Beauvais Avenue.

It has taken a lot of work behind the scenes to get here, and we could not be more excited to finally share it with you.

What to expect

A friendly Sunday morning of fresh local produce, proper bakes and things made by people who live and work near us. Every trader is a grower, baker or maker based within about 20 miles of Shortstown, so everything on the stalls is local.

Entry is free, dogs on leads are welcome, and there is parking right next to the Square. Bring the family, bring a bag, and come and say hello.

Step inside the Shorts Building

The Shorts Building will be open on market morning, and it is well worth a look.

Built in 1917 as the headquarters of Short Brothers, the company that gave Shortstown its name, it sat at the heart of Britain's airship story. Shortstown Parish Council recently bought the freehold, under Tom's leadership, which means this part of our heritage is now protected for the community (read more about that here).

Inside you can see the historic airship photographs on the walls, and outside the Historic England plaque. Don't miss the wooden revolving doors, recently refurbished by New Cardington Estate Management (NCEM).

Held under a charter from 1166

The market is held under the market charter granted to Bedford by King Henry II in 1166. We have worked through the permissions with Bedford Borough Council and the landowner, so the market is properly licensed and here to stay.

Run for the community

The market is not for profit and is run by volunteers at New Cardington Residents Association (NCRA). Any surplus goes straight back into our local area.

We would like to say a big thank you to Shortstown Parish Council and to NCEM for their support in making it happen.

Want a stall?

If you grow it, bake it or make it, we would love to hear from you. Stall bookings open at 9am on Saturday 3 October at shortstown.co.uk/market.

Pitches are 3m by 3m and cost just £15 each. Every booking is checked before it is confirmed, and traders need public liability insurance. The full trader terms are on the market page. Spaces are limited, so do not leave it too late.

Dates for your diary

  • Sunday 1 November 2026: our first market

  • Sunday 13 December 2026: Christmas market

  • From April 2027: the first Sunday of every month, April to December

All markets run from 9.30am to 1pm on the Square at Beauvais Avenue.

Please share this with friends, neighbours and anyone who might like a stall. Let's make the first one one to remember. We hope to see you there.

Leigh and Tom