A: The Hitchin Initiative with the help of some of the traders took over the running of the market 18 months ago. We are a non-profit making organisation and are dedicated to promoting Hitchin and all its diverse attractions and activities.
Q Has this has proved successful and in what way has it benefited the market?
A: Definitely. The work we have done so far with new lighting and lock up facilities for stallholders plus a good general tidy up has already been noticed and rewarded.
Q How has it been rewarded?
A: We were very pleased to be awarded the 2010 NABMA (The National Association of British Market Authorities) award for the best private market in the UK.
Q I have seen your advertisement for The Riverside Craft & Farmers market how’s it going?
A: It’s been very good. Since the relaunch and relocation to the new riverside site the number of stallholders has more than doubled.
Q Hitchin has benefited from being a market town with trading taking place in different locations. Where else has it been situated?
A: For many years stallholders used to set up there stalls in Tilehouse Street and through the old Market Square. There also used to be a craft market in West Alley and cattle market on what is now Waitrose car park. Immediately before its final move nearly forty years ago it was situated on St Mary’s Square car park where every market day, the stalls had to be erected and dismantled.
Q Talking of location has there been any progress on future plans for the market?
A: Not at the moment we haven’t heard anything definite yet.
Q Has The Hitchin Initiative been able to help in other ways?
A: Yes working together we will be running an advertisement for Hitchin attractions as well as Hitchin Market on Anglia Television shortly.
Q The market facilities are now being used 4 days a week 52 weeks of the year has this helped to increase the public’s attendance.
A: It has certainly proved popular attracting more people into the town centre to enjoy the atmosphere of the market and surrounding area.
Q Who is responsible for operating the market? 
