BEDFORD Place was bustling with independent traders and visitors as its annual summer festival returned at the weekend.
Happening for the first time since 2019, the Bedford Place Summer Festival boasted a large selection of independent traders from in and around Southampton, entertainment and street food and drinks.
READ MORE: It's back! Thousands line the streets for Hedge End Carnival
Excited shoppers visited Bedford Place on Sunday to enjoy the festival which, according to organisers, is something people have missed.
'Something everybody missed'
Ash Hiden from The Village Popup said: “Covid put a stop to all events across the world so it’s nice to see people out and about and seeing the open businesses.
“This is something everybody missed without knowing it. Before Covid, events like this happened all the time and it was a part of our culture.
“Not everywhere has thriving independent businesses, so being able to showcase people who have their own business is really important.”
Tobi Stidolph, also from The Village Popup, added: “It’s important for independent businesses to have a platform, and more events like this need to happen as businesses can showcase themselves.”
The event was held as Independents' Day was held over the weekend - encouraging shoppers to turn to local traders.
Home to the independents
Southampton-based vegan candle business Plants Only Please had a stall at the festival.
Owner Basil Batov said it had a “great atmosphere.”
He said: “We set up our business at the start of 2022 so this is our first year at the festival.
“There is a great atmosphere. It’s important having events like this for businesses.”
As well as candles, people could peruse stalls home to art, handbags, sweets, and even pet a donkey or alpacas.
Hungry visitors could enjoy tacos and pizza while those who needed their thirst-quenching could enjoy a drink from The Cricketers Arms or Mettricks.
'It's tremendous'
Erica Szuplat, 46, and her partner Ben Allsop, 51, moved to Southampton from America at the start of the year and were impressed with the festival.
Erica said: “It’s great and it has a really fun vibe.
“Having events like this are 100 per cent important and we definitely try to support businesses that are local.”
Southampton resident Lynne Cunningham was excited to return to the festival after its two-year break due to Covid.
The 75-year-old said: “This is my third time coming to the Bedford Place Summer Festival and so far I think it is tremendous.
“Festivals like this proves that independent businesses are on the rise and it will hopefully encourage other areas to open up to the community like this.”
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