Egeskov Market cuts activities as volunteer numbers fall

Egeskov Market in Kværndrup is struggling to survive after the number of volunteers fell by 100 in one year, DR reports. Organisers have reduced activities ahead of the traditional market’s opening.

The number of volunteers has dropped from around 300 last year to 200 this year. As a result, the market will have one fewer food outlet, among other cutbacks.

“It is unfortunate that we have fallen this far. We have cut back on many activities because we do not have enough people to fill the posts,” said Anita Knudsen, chair of the Egeskov Market Association, which organises the event.

Anders Thorup, who has volunteered at the market since 1986, remembers when the event attracted up to 100,000 visitors. In the past, he said, it was considered natural for residents of Kværndrup to help with the work.

Residents now fear that the market may not survive, although Thorup hopes it will continue for many years because it is part of the town’s history.

Figures from the Centre for Voluntary Social Work show that the number of volunteers is generally rising. Malthe Lindholm Sørensen, a special consultant at the centre, said people volunteer because they have a particular interest in the work. If the activity does not match their interests, they may look elsewhere.

Knudsen said she was concerned that traditional markets could eventually disappear. There are already few of the older stallholders left, she said.

Egeskov Market is believed to date back to 1393, making it one of Denmark’s oldest markets. A record 100,000 people attended in 2009, while attendance was around 10,000 in 2025.