Families enjoyed a fantastic day of free fun, wellbeing activities and community spirit in Market Drayton town centre on Saturday as Make It Market Drayton hosted another successful Community Day.
Alongside the popular Artisan Market, visitors were able to enjoy a range of free family activities, including painting Gingerbread Man coasters, colouring, circus games and friendly competitions on Connect 4. The event brought together local organisations, businesses and community groups, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the town.
One of the highlights of the day was a visit from the Market Drayton Gingerbread Man, who proved popular with children and visitors alike, stopping for photographs and helping to spread smiles around the town centre.
The event also featured a Health and Wellbeing Fair, giving residents the opportunity to discover local services and activities designed to support healthier and happier lives.
Visitors were able to learn more about sound baths and relaxation therapies from Jenergy, while Simplified by Us shared practical advice on how decluttering your home can improve wellbeing and reduce stress. At Market Drayton Library, Blood Pressure Champions were on hand to offer information and advice, while representatives from the local bowling club highlighted the physical and social benefits of getting involved in community activities.
It was fitting that Dolly, a friendly therapy dog owned by Lisa from Flourish Education, was one of the special guests at the event. Lisa and Dolly regularly visit schools and Market Drayton Library, helping to support children’s wellbeing and confidence. Throughout the day, they met families and visitors, demonstrating the positive impact that therapy dogs can have on mental health and wellbeing.
Dolly quickly became a favourite with both children and adults, receiving plenty of attention and affection from everyone she met.
Later in the day, Lisa and Dolly joined Market Drayton Mayor, Cllr Tim Manton, and the Gingerbread Man on a tour of local businesses to deliver new pet-friendly window stickers. The stickers help residents and visitors identify businesses that welcome well-behaved dogs.
The response from local businesses was overwhelmingly positive, with many shops, cafés and other venues keen to display the stickers and show their support for making Market Drayton a more dog-friendly destination.
Visitors arriving via the Shropshire Union Canal often ask which businesses they can take their dogs into when visiting the town. The new stickers will make it much easier for dog owners to identify pet-friendly venues and enjoy everything Market Drayton has to offer.
There are still pet-friendly window stickers available. If your business welcomes dogs and would like to display a sticker, please get in touch with the Make It Market Drayton team.
The event showcased the warm welcome and strong community spirit that Market Drayton is known for. With creativity, wellbeing activities, local information and community involvement throughout the day, it was another wonderful opportunity to bring people together and celebrate everything that makes the town special.
Keep an eye on the Make It Market Drayton website and social media channels for dates of the next free Community Day and Artisan Market. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors back for more family fun, local shopping and community activities in the near future.
You can view the photographs here
