A NEW monthly market is taking over the Royals in Southend in a bid to revitalise the shopping centre and “make shoppers feel excited about the High Street again”.

The new market will be launched with a trial event on July 6.

It will be organised by Emma Alexander of Lilibuns Bakery, who was approached by the Royals to spearhead the new market.

A 6ft pitch for the market is £25, right in the heart of Southend and will be running on the first Saturday of every month with vendors encouraged to include a beach theme.

Emma, who has been running events for years in Southend, such as the Christmas Food and Gift Fayre at the Cliffs Pavilion, hopes the event will bring the community together.

She said: “I was approached by the management at the Royals Shopping Centre to inject a bit of fresh energy into the shopping centre.

“Since one side of the place is currently empty, we are bringing in a new monthly market for businesses to showcase what they do on the first weekend of every month.

“This gives sellers a really affordable position right in the heart of Southend, and shoppers the chance to feel excited about the high street again.”

Emma added: “All of my events are about bringing the community together and making people see there is still so much more to find in Southend. I want to see more younger people enjoying makers markets and children getting involved.”

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