The internet is full of online retailers, but despite the growing popularity of shopping on the web, there’s been a surge in the number of people flocking to antiques and flea markets.

We’re lucky to have one of Wales’ biggest events on our doorstep in Carmarthen. The next Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market takes place on Sunday, May 22, and whether you’re a veteran Flea Market shopper or not, it’s a date for your diary.

If you’ve never visited the Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market, you’re in for a treat! Find hidden treasures around every corner, with hundreds of stands inside and out. As well as being a mecca for serious collectors (a piece of sporting memorabilia found recently is now on display at Pendine’s Museum of Speed), you’ll find people furniture shopping and those simply looking for a bargain,; there’s something for everyone.

Many of the pieces sold have strong local connections. Most people in Carmarthen will know The Parrot music bar, but the building in King Street was once ‘The Marquis of Granby’ public house. Being sold on Sunday, May the 22, is a 19th century beer bottle from the pub. It’s expected to attract quite a bit of interest and not just because it’s a local piece.

The Marquis of Granby was a British general who was popular with his troops and it’s the colourful story of him having led a cavalry charge after losing his hat and wig that gave us the saying ‘to go at it bald-headed’.

A rare plate marking the building of Cardiff Market in Victorian times is another gem that is to be sold at the event. Opened in May 1891 and built on the site of Cardiff gaol, much of the original building still stands today. The plate is a wonderful piece of social history showing a number of horse-drawn charabancs carrying the names of many of Cardiff’s outlying villages.

Isaac A. Van Amburgh was a famous American lion trainer in the 1800s who performed for Queen Victoria. An unusual 19th century jug being sold at the Antiques and Flea Market shows Van Amburgh doing just what it was that earned him the title ‘The Lion King’. He died a wealthy man in 1865, but his name continued to be used in the circus world for more than a century.

The Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market runs between 10 am and 4 pm. Admission is £4 for adults, with accompanied children admitted free of charge. Carmarthen Showground is on the A40, minutes from the town.

For more information, including details on exhibiting at the Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market visit www.towyevents.co.uk or call 01267 236 569.