Neotists Presents – a retrospective overview

As of the end of December 2024, Neotists will conclude its contract to provide entertainment for the St Neots Farm and Craft Market. This decision reflects a natural evolution of the programme, ensuring the market’s future entertainment aligns with the council’s broader community objectives.

In this report, we celebrate the achievements of the past four years and share the highlights of what has been a transformative and engaging programme.

Origins and development

In 2021, with funding from St Neots Town Council, we launched Market Marvels, a regular programme of outdoor performances and creative activities. Held every second and fourth Saturday, these events supported the farmers market, enhancing the vibrancy of the market square. In 2024, the initiative was rebranded as Neotists Presents to align with other Neotists projects such as the St Neots Micro Festival and Arts on the Square.

Our vision was simple yet impactful: to introduce music and entertainment to attract visitors, encourage them to linger, and create a dynamic environment that boosts local economic activity. Over the past four years, the programme has delivered on this vision and more.

Programme highlights

Neotists has proudly hosted over 100 events featuring more than 300 performers. The diverse line-up has included local, regional, and national talent, covering a wide array of genres and art forms. Some notable acts and activities include:

  • Music and Performance: Folk, jazz, classical, theatre, and pop acts such as Chris Hatt, Immi Davis, Caxton Swing Band, and Rock Choir.
  • Interactive Workshops: Bunting-making sessions, drumming workshops, and storytelling for World Book Day.
  • Special Events: Halloween celebrations, Morris festivals, and themed flash mobs.
  • Community Engagement: Performances by local groups like Stageworks and U3A Ukuleles.

Our efforts culminated in Arts on the Square (July-October 2023), funded through the Vibrant Communities grant. This programme brought unique acts to the market square, such as Django’s Tiger (gypsy jazz), harpist Lucy Bunce, and Charles Cour Opera, alongside family-friendly magic shows and other cultural highlights.

Feedback from the community

We are proud to have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from stallholders, residents, and visitors:

“Entertainment is absolutely brilliant. It makes everything fantastic. It helps pass time for stallholders and creates an enjoyable atmosphere.” – Market Stallholder

“We love the way it brings everyone together. It draws people into the market and showcases what St Neots has to offer.” – Little Dutch Bites

“It lifts the atmosphere and brings us customers. We always enjoy the entertainment and appreciate how Neotists ensures everything works smoothly.” – Shelley’s Vegan Bakes

Acknowledgements

We would like to extend our gratitude to St Neots Town Council for supporting this initiative and to the operations team for ensuring the smooth running of the events. Special thanks go to the councillors who championed our efforts and the public for their enthusiastic participation.

A heartfelt thanks to Anna and the technical team, whose dedication ensured the success of each event, regardless of weather or challenges. Their commitment and passion have been the backbone of this programme.

Looking ahead

As we step away from this chapter, we are confident the St Neots Farm and Craft Market will continue to flourish. This transition provides an exciting opportunity for new creative ventures to build upon the strong foundation Neotists Presents has established.

We are proud of our contribution to the community and the legacy of creativity and collaboration we leave behind.

Neotists will continue our 10 year tradition of bringing art, culture and unexpected delights to St Neots and beyond, harnessing the huge range of talents our members share and actively encouraging everyone to participate and create a vibrant cultural life for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.