Reading Biscuit Factory, next to Broad Street Mall, will be hosting a loosely Christmas themed alternative market that caters to all ages on November 30th.
Louise Turner, who has experience in event planning, having coordinated a special needs music festival a few years ago alone with her husband, has solely organised the market, with several successful markets preceding this event.
The markets have seen a steady incline in attraction, as Turner started the events at the Brewdog pub in Reading with a steady turnout; this headly increased at her most recent market based on the Reading University campus, which had an astounding 51 stalls.
Due to the size of the venue, there will only be 12 stalls able to be put up, though because so many people have asked to put one up, she's considering running the market over two days.
When asked how she came up with the idea of these markets, she stated, "I started to make skulls and zombie things out of resin and there was nowhere to market it." this problem appeared to have been shared around the alternative community, as the idea quickly became a reality after the instant popularity.
Though the title of the market is "Gothmas" Turner explained the theme isn't at all strict, instead she pushes for all number quirky items, stating, "I don't want granny turning up with her knitted baby jumpers! Not themed, but what you wouldn't see at a normal market"
Turner herself ran a horror cafe at the previous market, on the 25th of October, selling baked goods such as tombstone cakes, glass shard cupcakes and ginger-dead men; along with this, she also sold spooky tote bags with designs of skeletons on the front.
If you were thinking of setting up a stall, the prices vary based upon the venue, with Turner stating cost on average around £20-£40, though it depends on the price of booking the venue.
However, Turner admitted "If I'm running a cafe... I will always give out free tea and coffee"
If you want to keep informed of the market's movements, you can find leaflets scattered around Reading Town centre, promotion put up on electronic bus stop's screens, or, if you're looking to come from further away, there is a Facebook page dedicated to the markets, Reading Alternative Market - R.A.M.
