The reopening of non-essential retail on the roadmap out of the third national lockdown has seen the return of outdoor markets including car boot sales.

That's a good thing for anyone who just wants to get out of the house after months of confinement, or who has a year's worth of clutter to shift after lockdown.

So which car boot sales have returned? And what are the coronavirus rules in place?

Eboot Markets, which has been running a number of car boot sales in the West Midlands for 41 years - making it one of the oldest businesses of its kind in the UK - is holding events once again and says there are strict rules in place at its sites.

Organisers said: "People are desperate to get out and have some normality and we can provide all this in a safe, outdoor, socially distant environment with over 347 acres of sites across Warwickshire and the West Midlands.

"We've had an amazing couple of weeks and are expecting a maximum capacity bank holiday weekend.

"As we are an outdoor event, we have hundreds of acres of land to use so our customers can socially distance to keep everyone safe, and to enjoy our markets and car boots in a safe environment."

Eboot Markets car boot sale at Coleshill in September 2020
Eboot Markets car boot sale at Coleshill in September 2020

They added: "We must ask that all of our customers abide by all the rules, so everyone can enjoy themselves and we can run the market safely:

  1. Follow the arrows on the signs for the one-way system
  2. Marshals will be in place to ensure the one-way system is being adhered to
  3. Please social-distance and respect others at all times
  4. Don't crowd around sellers whilst they are setting up
  5. Sanitise your hands regularly. Hand sanitisers are available to buy on the gate to carry around with you
  6. We are now asking all stall-holders and buyers to wear a face mask/visor if they choose
  7. If you feel unwell or have any symptoms of Covid-19, stay at home and self-isolate
  8. Try to have the correct money when you pay to reduce Covid risks from handling cash
  9. Please take all rubbish and unsold items home with you - this is a car boot, not a tip, so please respect that and the environment."
Where is your nearest car boot sale?
Where is your nearest car boot sale?

Bassetts Pole Car Boot

Coppice Lane, Bassetts Pole, near Middleton, B78 2BU

Open on Saturdays, this is run by Eboot Markets. There's no need to book.

Sellers are asked to arrive between 5am and 10am.

Buyers can turn up from 5am, cost of entry is £1 per car.

For sellers, pitch prices are:

  • £10 for a car
  • £12 4x4/People Carrier
  • £13 Car with Trailer/Small Van
  • £17 Medium Van
  • £20 Large Van
  • £30 HGV Wagons
  • £5 Trailers extra charge

Unlimited space is available for all traders, organisers said.

The Belfry Car Boot

Drayton Manor Road, Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, B76 9PS

Open on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, this is also run by Eboot Markets. The same arrangements apply as for Bassetts Pole above.

Coleshill Car Boot

Birmingham Road, Coleshill, B46 1DP

Open on Tuesdays and Fridays, this is the third of the current Eboot Markets car boot events. See above for the arrangements.

Hoggs Lane Market and Carboot

Hoggs Lane, Northfield, B31 5PX

Open on Saturdays and Bank Holiday Monday with over 300 stalls, this market can be found just off the A38. It runs from 6am to 3pm.

Pitches cost from £8 to £40 depending on the size of the vehicle. Free parking for visitors.

Organisers said: "We will open both markets on a trial basis again but will close down immediately if it is seen to be unsafe to continue.."

Rules include one-way systems, social distancing and Covid-secure queuing for food and toilets.

Regular traders will all be accommodated, said organisers, but the greater space needed to spread out for social distancing will mean fewer stalls overall.

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Moseley Cricket Club, Solihull

Streetsbrook Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 3PE

The cricket club relaunched its car boot sales on April 25. But it faced criticism over traffic congestion on its first weekend.

Chairman Malcolm Eustace said: "We are not unsympathetic to the congestion the car boot sale brings, but we adhere to all the conditions imposed on us by Solihull Council in granting us permission to hold the events.

"We don't allow any access before 7am, but we can't stop motorists congregating and parking on the roads before then.

"As for parking on Streetsbrook Road, that is a public highway with no parking restrictions, as far as I'm aware. It is up to Solihull Council to impose any such restrictions.

"The car boot sales are an important source of income for us and we are allowed to hold 20 a year - weather permitting."

  • Stourbridge Car Boot, at Stourbridge Rugby Club, Bridgnorth Road, DY7 6QZ, won't be relaunching until Wednesday, May 5.