Harleston's Swan Hotel set to host market for local residents

The Swan Hotel in Harleston is set to showcase the talent of creative locals when it hosts a market tomorrow.

The free-to-enter daily event is the brainchild of Vicki Eke, who runs the hotel with partner Robin Twigge. The 54-year-old said she hoped it could serve as a springboard to bigger things for people with a hobby or a small business idea.

“It came from trying to think of ways to increase the footfall into the hotel,” she said.

“But with people losing jobs during the past year and having to be creative and diversify, I wanted to try to give a few local people a platform in a prime location.

“The hope is that they could possibly use the market to start selling their creations, which may allow them to set up an independent business in the future.”

The market will include handmade candles and resin items, dog treats, masks, jams and chutneys, resin jewellery, printed ceramics and cushions, water colours, bespoke photography, hand crafted gnomes, quilted baubles and high-quality second-hand clothing.

Running from 9am to 2pm, it will be situated in the front two rooms of the hotel.