Free treat for kids as Market’s busy summer continues
The Dundas Indoor Market in Middlesbrough is offering Teesside children a summer holiday experience they will never forget.
On Saturday (9 August) they are invited to the Market to have a close encounter with the creepiest creepy crawlies, the scariest slithering snakes and other members of the fearsome family of reptiles.
They will also meet baby dinosaur puppets which look nearly as realistic as the real stars of the Jurassic Park film franchise.
Market Manager David Harris said: “Children are fascinated by spiders and snakes – and particularly dinosaurs – and it’s only when they get a bit older that they realise they’re all a bit scary.
“As parents, we all know that by this stage of the holidays you’re running out of ideas to stop your kids from being bored. So we think you’re going to love what’s happening at the Market this weekend, and the good news is that you can bring your children any time between 10 and 3 and their Animal Encounter is absolutely free.”
The event is being run by Teesside business Animal Story which for the past 15 years, as well as events like Saturday’s, has presented National Curriculum-based animal workshops to thousands of schoolchildren throughout the country.
The market has already staged one successful summer activity, thanks to Crazy Colin’s magic and tricks, and on Saturday 23 August some of the up-and-coming stars of the Teesside Darts Academy will be stepping up to the oche to demonstrate their skills and encourage young people to take up the sport.
Market customers will also be invited to display their skills with the arrows, with plenty of shopping vouchers on offer for the best dartists.
As well as organising the three summer events, it has been a busy spell for David and his team.
Picks & Sticks, which only started trading in March, has moved to a bigger unit. It sells guitars, drums and accessories, repairs instruments and provides expert advice for players of all ages and abilities.
It is run by musician and engineer Aaron Mockett who in his brief time at Dundas has already repaired more than 150 guitars and says he is thrilled by the interest shown in his business.
“This has happened so quickly which means there’s an absolute need for it,” said Aaron. “I want everyone to come in and feel welcome. We provide that personal touch that you don’t necessarily get anywhere else. So I want people to know that I’m here and that I’m here to help, rather than to make money. Yes, money helps, but I do it because I love it.”
A new business will soon be arriving at the Market and taking over Picks & Sticks’ previous shop. Hairdresser Nadia Kotze is opening S.E.N. Cuts which will focus on young customers who are neurodiverse and might be reluctant or unable to have their hair cut in a traditional salon.
Meanwhile work has continued to upgrade some of the Market’s older units. It is part of an investment programme which has seen the addition of 2,500 sq. ft of retail space, creating seven new shops.