THE organisers of the first of a new and exciting independent market in Trowbridge have celebrated its huge success.

The Trowbridge Weavers Market which took place on Saturday July 13 gives an opportunity for local independent traders to showcase their creativity and to bring the community together.

It is being staged by a not-for-profit community organisation established earlier this year to bring a community craft market back to the centre of Trowbridge.

Organiser Cllr Stewart Palmen, of Trowbridge Town Council and Trowbridge Weavers Market, said: "It has been a huge success.

"We are really pleased with the response to the first one. We all went down to the Kings Arms last night and celebrated with a few beers."

Cllr Palmen says they have a waiting list of stallholders for the Weavers Market, which was held in and around the Town Hall, including Fore Street and Market Street.

The market offers visitors a range of unique hand-made products, food, drink and entertainment for people of all ages.

One of the early visitors was Leyla Bakali-Laughton, 25, from Francis Street, Trowbridge, with her one-and-a-half year old daughter Esme.

Leyla said: “I love it. It’s amazing for the first one and brings the community together.

“It’s showcasing all of the talent and support that people have for each other and there is a really good atmosphere.

“There is a good variety of sustainable products and is works perfectly with the sports activities taking place in Trowbridge Town Park.”

There was almost a carnival atmosphere in the bright sunshine, with residents flocking out to hear the Trowbridge & District Youth Band perform outside the Castle Street entrance to The Shires Shopping Centre.

Cllr Palmen said the event had complemented the Trowbridge Summer Active Festival taking place in the Town Park.

"The footfall ran into the thousands and there were a huge number of people going from the town centre down into the Town Park."

Cllr Palmen said: “Our vision is to bring quality traders, creative people and our local community together. We’re proud of Trowbridge’s past and excited to be part of its future.”

Markets are being held on the second Saturday of every month with the next dates being August 10, September 14 and October 12 from 10am to 3pm.

The organisers are welcoming applications from independent traders of all kinds to take stalls, including artisans, makers, creatives, producers and street-food specialists.

The next one in August is likely to have more music performers, while the third one in September will link in with the Cloth Road Arts exhibition at Emmanuel Yard.

The fourth market in October will tie with the Trowbridge Apple Festival taking place in the Town Park.