Flea to Fore Street: Exeter celebrates a decade of the Fore Street Flea

Exeter’s Fore Street is celebrating a decade of the much-loved Fore Street Flea, a community market created to champion the city’s independent businesses, local makers and creative spirit.

First launched by local businesses in 2016, the Fore Street Flea has grown into one of Exeter’s most distinctive independent shopping events, bringing together traders, makers, collectors, start-ups and visitors in the heart of the city’s historic West Quarter.

Home to Exeter’s oldest shop, its only independent toyshop, a dedicated fancy dress shop, bookshop, haberdashery, pottery studio, cafés, artisan makers and a renowned vintage and retro clothing emporium, Fore Street has long been known for its individuality, creativity and character.

As one of Exeter’s oldest and steepest routes, Fore Street has a proud history of trade and connection. Today, it continues to be shaped by passionate business owners, makers and artisans who bring energy and originality to the city centre.

A decade of the Fore Street Flea

Over the past decade and more than 30 markets, the Flea has helped new businesses test ideas, build confidence and find their first customers, while encouraging more people to discover one of Exeter’s most distinctive shopping streets.

Hayley Maker, owner of Sacred Grounds Café in McCoys Arcade and one of the original organisers of the Fore Street Flea, said: “The Flea was created to celebrate the diversity and individuality of Fore Street. It works hand in hand with the area’s independent businesses and has helped more people discover this fantastic area of the city.”

Ellie Taylor, CEO of Exeter Community Initiatives, which runs the Jelly Charity Shop on Fore Street, has a close connection to the market, having managed the Flea for the past two years. She said: “The Flea brings together such a brilliant mix of people, from long-time sellers to new start-ups. It has always been a place to try something new, and for some businesses, it has been their first experience of trading.”

For many traders, the Flea has also provided an introduction to Fore Street itself.The Makers Boutique, now based in McCoys Arcade, began by trading at the market before choosing to become part of the street’s creative community.

Laura Jones, owner of The Makers Boutique, said: “I first brought my designs to the Flea as a way to get established, and quickly fell in love with Fore Street. It is full of artisans who care deeply about what they create, and I knew it was the kind of creative community I wanted to be part of. Everyone is so supportive - people really champion one another.”

That sense of support is woven through Fore Street and continues to attract independent businesses, including Holly Johns, owner of The Jolly Pottery. Having grown up with Fore Street as Exeter’s independent hub, she knew there was nowhere else she would rather open her studio.

Nearby, Zero Waste Stores, run by Faye Jennings, offers much more than a typical refill shop. From plastic-free products to creative ways of giving materials a second life, the store reflects her passion for reuse, repurposing and more sustainable living.

Bookbag is another example of what makes Fore Street special. Curated by co-ownerCharlie Richards with carefully chosen titles, events and thoughtful recommendations, the bookshop has become a welcoming destination for readers, families and curious browsers, giving visitors another reason to slow down, step inside and discover something new.

Also, in McCoys Arcade, The Real McCoy has welcomed generations of shoppers since 1985. Known for individual style and vintage clothing, the store has long captured the spirit of discovery that the Flea celebrates.

Jo Greenwood from The Real McCoy said: “The Fore Street Flea has earned a reputation as a treasure trove for bargain hunters and lovers of the unique. That sense of discovery is here all year round. Any day of the week, visitors can stroll down the street and find unexpected gems. The variety and charm of Fore Street make it a must-visit for anyone looking for a distinctive shopping experience.”

Fore Street Flea dates for 2026

The Fore Street Flea will continue to bring new audiences to the West Quarter throughout 2026, with September marking 10 years since the market first began. The remaining 2026 dates are:

Sunday 19 July
Sunday 13 September
Sunday 22 November

Mattie Richardson, owner of Bunyip Craft and another of the original founders of the Fore Street Flea, has returned to help run the event in 2026. She said: “One of the best things about the Flea is seeing people discover Fore Street for the first time. Even with so much information available online, I still hear visitors say, ‘I didn’t know you were here.’ The Flea has helped bring new people to the street and encouraged them to explore an area they may not otherwise have visited.”

Nicola Wheeler, CEO at InExeter, which now delivers the Flea, said: “There is a real buzz on Fore Street this summer. Part of our work is sharing the great businesses that make up our city, and Fore Street is a street dedicated to passion and talented people who all bring their own charm. Not only are we celebrating 10 years of the Flea and its fantastic businesses, but this year will also see a brand-new piece of street art welcoming visitors as they walk up the hill. It will add an explosion of colour to an already vibrant and happening street.”

Discover Fore Street

Visitors are encouraged to explore Fore Street on market days and throughout the year. From independent shops and arcades to cafés, makers and hidden gems, the street offers a distinctive shopping experience shaped by the people and businesses behind it. Flea days bring the street to life in a special way, but Fore Street is a place to visit, support and rediscover again and again.