The Markets

Shopping markets were originally events that took place on special occasions such as Saints days or Quarter days. They could only be held with the authority of a Royal Charter, which was granted by the Monarch and presented to Royal Boroughs such as Birmingham.

Markets have been an integral part of bustling Birmingham City Centre life from the Middle Ages to the present day. Market days evolved to meet the needs of the local population. Traditionally Tuesday and Saturday were market days in Birmingham. On a Tuesday locals visited the town to buy the fresh produce. On Saturdays produce would be bought in preparation for Sunday when work was not permitted and families would eat together.

Until the 1960s the market was located in the St Martin's area, not far from Hotel du Vin & Bistro Birmingham. As a trading area this site was both convenient and spacious enough to allow traders from across the Midlands to display their produce. St Martin's served the Birmingham population well, but in 1963 the old Bull Ring centre was built, providing the Market with a ground floor indoor site. The old Bull Ring centre was the first of its kind in Britain and was home to the Birmingham Market for 37 years.

In September 2000 the Indoor Market relocated to its present purpose built site at Edgbaston Street and Pershore Road. This modem hi-tech home provides convenient rooftop parking and easy access to BULLRING and the City Centre. The market sells a wide variety of goods, some home-grown and others imported from countries around the world, such as China, Barbados and Africa.

So whatever you're looking for, the market is sure to provide the goods!