Its been ten years since I first spoke on BBC Radio Merseyside. I was interviewed for a feature about the city’s downward trend on the back of the autumn 2013 row over the name of my twitter account with Council Leader Mike Jones. The journalist recorded me on a bench in front of the library and empty Odeon, (Storyhouse was still years ago).

December hadn’t been great personally and I barely attended any of the Christmas events- only making it to one of the parades and a last minute Cathedral visit to see the tree festival.  Jaded by anxiety/fatigue it was nice to complete another loop and speak on the radio again, in a radically different, Chester with more opportunities, engagement and collaboration than in the dark days of 2013.

The Afternoon Show broadcast live from the Market from 2 til 6, with the team of Helen, Jenny and Dave describing the year old venue as variously “absolutely brilliant” “buzzing” and “heaving”. The first speaker was Cllr Nathan Pardoe who spoke of the 30 year journey to the New Market, saying that locals and visitors were both enjoying the venue, as evidenced by the high footfall. He was keen to emphasise the mix of traders alongside the very popular food traders.

It’s early days but I’m sure the history books will see this Market as a success. A certain hardcore element will always hate the place because it isn’t the old market (with its leaking roof, broken toilets, power cuts etc ) or the old-old market. Local people stopped buying net curtains from Jim’s Haberdashery, like they stopped buying pic n mix, and fancy dress goods. That’s why all these businesses closed. But no, they were all “taken” from us, say some commenters, we “lost” them. Somehow. Overall, people are happy with it, just look at the struggle to get a seat at peak times or the waiting list for new traders to join. If people wanted something different why didn’t they support the old place?

Max from Deva Deli was next up on air, sharing his cheese knowledge. You can buy pork pies and cheese in the market after all (since March!) Bishop of Chester Mark Tanner was on next : “I pay attention to that small voice. God is there at the right time for people” he said. I make a note that I must add him to the interview list for next year. No one really does interviews with local people anymore, theres little in depth coverage of anything is there? I miss things like Tortoise and Amble. Its all vague X, formerly twitter rows or memory page rows. Maybe we can see God in the facebook comment rows about hotels and students and dead cities?

Local musical talent was represented by carols from the Chester Male Voice Choir. Dan from Pop Specs ( the markets fast and affordable opticians) was praised for his tight trousers by Helen. He spoke about a forthcoming appearance on TV’s Dragon’s Den in the new year. You can have that as as Shitchester exclusive. The lovely Steph from Pastry Pedaleur completed the roster of trader guests. Next year I’m going to work a shift with her and do a blog while I attempt to make some pastries.

After a dash from work I listened to the zoo’s retail manager Suzanne on stage. The Zoo joined the market community in August, a clever team up between two important local institutions. Whilst watching from the side lines I can sense the excitement and good vibes in the building, this is something new for Chester that we just haven’t had before.

I got a fantastic 7 minutes to talk about Chester in Lego, describing its origins in the old market back in 2014 and everyone’s amazing support since then. I managed to sneak in one reference from Netflix comedy favourite I Think You Should Leave. “You gotta give!” … Something back to charity…” Fans of the show will get it. The recent Roman additions got a mention as well as as many of the local notables and important people in my life behind the glass doors. So grateful to Merseyside for this coverage, in 8 years + the local TV channels never showed any interest, maybe the planned build of the Pepper Street car park will catch their eye??

It’s been a good debut in the Market with collaborations with Chester Contemporary, artist Nikki Pinder and Pyramid Glass. Plus the cabinets also display the numerous awards won by the market. Next year’s I hope to encourage further charity donations as well as adding as well as new builds including the market bar with its mirrored arches.

Expert speaker Town Crier David Mitchell was on stage towards the end of the afternoon. He’s been Town Crier for “224 years” joking that “only wimps use microphones”. Every good Chester event needs The Crier- last saw him ringing his bell at the opening of Picturehouse. Final speakers on the day were two hardworking members of Storyhouse’ Christmas show. Cinderella and the Prince added to the celebratory feel of the afternoon, which was finally rounded off by the market management team taking the microphone. Thank you Radio Merseyside!

Happy modern traditional Christmas everyone!