Bishy Road hosts its first artists and creators bazaar

More than 30 traders manned stalls selling their work, including ceramics, pictures, cakes, textiles and jewellery in Bishy Road car park.

Organisers Bishopthorpe Road Traders Association had hoped for between 300 and 400 visitors during the four hours the bazaar was open. Within 15 minutes of the bazaar opening, there were more than 100 people present.

Todd Lepage of the association said: “It’s fantastic.  It’s really, really good.”

Also from the association, Ruth Phillips said: “We are trying to create more atmosphere in the area, make it a bit more vibrant. It’s very much to showcase what people are doing and to bring more people to the High Street.”

All the exhibitors were from York.  Several artists from outside the city applied but were turned down.

In total more than 75 people applied.  Some of those who were unable to man stalls at this bazaar will be invited to exhibit their products at the next bazaar on Sunday May 24.

The association is planning to make the Bishopthorpe Road Bazaar a summer monthly event on the third Sunday of each month. Only York artists will be allowed to have stalls.

As well as the May date, future bazaars are planned for Sunday July 19 and Sunday August 23.  Sunday June 21will not have a bazaar as that is the same date as Bishy Road’s street party.