Large crowds flocked to the new Taunton Independent Market which officially launched in the County Town on Sunday (8 March), organised by Michelle Beck of By Invitation Events.
Somerset Cricket legend, Marcus Trescothick cut the ribbon to officially open the market, where 65 stalls filled Castle Green. The market will become a regular destination event for the town, with a range of stalls including street food, jewellery, food to go, plants, flowers, homewares and more! Despite intermittent rain showers, spirits were not dampened, and the town centre saw a rise in footfall by almost 7,500 people.
With the decline of the Great British High Street and spending in our town centres down across the UK, Michelle is looking to buck the trend and attract more visitors to the County Town. Commenting on the initiative, she said: ‘this is a fantastic opportunity for us to put Taunton firmly on the South West shopping map. I am a Taunton girl and I love living and working here. I had a dream to see a thriving market in the town centre again and it is so lovely to see the original market site on Castle Green, being used as it should be!’
Cllr Marcus Kravis, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development at Somerset West and Taunton Council, who are supporting the new venture, added: “I was delighted to see so many people showing their support for the first Taunton Independent Market.. It was a real boost for the town, showcasing our many excellent local traders, producers and artists. Congratulations to everyone involved. I hope this success, the increased footfall and the positive response it has generated will continue.”
Future markets will be held on Castle Green on the second Sunday of every month, for the rest of the year, with the next taking place on Sunday 12 April between 10am and 4pm.
The market has also gathered support from the following local businesses and organisations:
Headline Sponsor: Taunton School
Media Partners: Daffodil PR & Communications, Somerset County Gazette
Advertising Partner: Gibbins Richards Estate Agents
Design Partner: Ablaze Designs
Sponsored by: The Castle at Taunton, Steve Hignett Video Production Ltd, Innovation by Design, Clayton Jane Photography, Somerset West & Taunton,
Legal Partner: Risdon Hosegood
Photos by Clayton Jane Photography.
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