Bridgwater Independent Market, launching in the town centre on Sunday, March 27, already has almost 50 local traders signed up.

It will be officially opened at 10am by the Mayor of Bridgwater, Cllr Leigh Redman.

The street market will showcase the South West’s best food and drink producers, crafts, gifts, homewares, beauty and fashion and will be trading from 10am to 3pm.

Building on the success of the Castle Market on Fridays and a similar market in Taunton, Michelle Beck, of local company By Invitation Events, is delighted that Bridgwater, which has held a market charter since 1200, will be the latest Somerset town to host her regular Sunday markets.

Bridgwater already has some great foundations upon which to build, with major events already taking place such as Bridgwater Food and Drink Festival, Bridgwater Quayside Festival and Bridgwater Castle Market.

Ms Beck hopes Bridgwater Independent Market will attract more in visitors and see Sedgemoor residents shopping locally, supporting local businesses and enjoying the town centre.

She said: “As a proud Somerset girl, I am hugely excited to be bringing a regular independent market to Bridgwater and already have tremendous support from many local traders and organisations.

"With our High Streets still facing difficult times nationally, my aim is to see Bridgwater put firmly on the map as a quality South West shopping and social destination.”

David Mears, town clerk for Bridgwater, said: “Bridgwater is a historic market town with many independent shops and various events throughout the year.

"I am thrilled to see The Bridgwater Independent Market launching this month, which will create more awareness of Bridgwater’s cultural and historic charms and boost footfall for town centre businesses."

Cllr Mick Lerry, chairman of the Town Team and portfolio holder for the Town Centre Economy, said: This is a great initiative to help the repair and recovery of Bridgwater business from the pandemic and provide residents and wider community with another reason to visit the town centre.

"The weekend market is about creating a retail offer that local businesses and hospitality service can be part of.

"This type of market has worked well in other towns in Somerset and the Bridgwater Town Council is really glad that the independent market has chosen to invest in Bridgwater."