Visitors to the first Taunton Independent Market of 2023 on Sunday (12th March) were treated to an impressive selection of more than 70 local businesses selling their wares on Castle Green - even the sun unexpectedly came out to say hello!
With locally produced food, fresh fruit and veg, gifts, a wide selection of food-to-go, pet products, jewellery, soaps, beers, ciders and more, there was definitely something for everyone! Award winning Taunton based trumpeter Luis Martelo serenaded the crowds during the morning, along with live music from singer Nick Girone-Maddocks and his band, the British South Western Trio. Nick is one of the Directors of the Market’s advertising sponsors, Gibbins Richards Estate Agents.
Since launching in March 2020, the Taunton Independent Market has continued to grow in popularity with traders and shoppers alike, and each market now regularly attracts over 70 stall holders and brings in excess of 7000 extra people into the centre of Taunton.
Organiser of the Taunton Independent Market, Michelle Beck said:
"The Taunton Independent Market has become an integral part of the shopping offer in Taunton. Having a regular monthly market back in the town is really beneficial for the whole town centre and the wider local area. It also gives many local small independent traders a lovely place to trade. Market days in Taunton are extremely popular now with a huge increase in footfall in the town centre. We want to support our local businesses and to bring Taunton back to how we all want it to be, a busy, vibrant and thriving market town.
This month also sees the launch of a new Somerset Market at Haynes Motor Museum near Sparkford which will take place on the last Saturday of the Month, and the return of the popular Bridgwater Independent Market, which is held in Bridgwater town centre, on the last Sunday of the Month.