This Sunday, Shepton Mallet introduces its highly anticipated new Sunday Market, promising to be a staple event for both the local community and visitors.

The inaugural market will feature a spectacular showcase from Pica! Pica!, a tropical music collective that considers Shepton Mallet its spiritual home.

Market Square will be transformed with sounds from Las Americas, Africa, and the Caribbean, offering an electrifying atmosphere filled with live music, DJs, and tropical rhythms that promise to brighten the heart of Shepton Mallet.

Music Schedule:

• Town Street Stage:
• 10:30 - 11:30: Deano Music, with a blend of acoustic folk and rhythm-heavy pop.
• 12:00 - 13:00: Razzomo, known for their vibrant Balkan, Klezmer & Celtic folk renditions.
• 13:30 - 14:30: Mike Dennis, a fusion of violin melodies and rap, using loop pedals.
• Market Square Highlights:
• Arias, Knownaime, and Simon Ruston: Shepton's globally recognized DJs spinning tracks.
• Live Percussion: Featuring "Manos de Fuego" from Minsky's Barbershop, powered by a high-quality sound system sponsored by ArtBankCafe.

In addition to the musical delights, the new market offers a rich mix of local food, drink producers, crafts traders, and antique and vintage stalls.

As the market unfolds, visitors can explore stalls like Westcombe Dairy for traditional Somerset cheese, or enjoy freshly cooked flavours at Mahalia's Kitchen. For those with a sweet tooth, Sean the Chef offers brownies and cookie pies, including vegan and gluten-free options.

Here's a full list of the traders expected to attend:

Food and Drink Producers

• Westcombe Dairy: Traditional Somerset cheese made from unpasteurised milk from their own cows.
• Mahalia's Kitchen: Guyanese Caribbean cuisine with a focus on fresh, aromatic dishes.
• Brickell's Ice Cream: Natural ice cream using milk from Westcombe Dairy, free from artificial additives.
• Two Trees Cider & Perry: Fine cider and perry sourced from top small producers in the UK.
• Sean the Chef: A variety of sweet treats including brownies and cookie pies, with vegan and gluten-free options.
• Muti: Offers bold, fermented foods like kimchi and kraut, all plant-based and free from additives.
• Fenny Castle Vineyard: Produces high-quality English wines and craft ciders.
• Black Bee Honey: Local beekeeper collective producing 100% British honey.
• Still Sisters: Award-winning gin and gin liqueurs, handcrafted and expertly flavored.
• Squeeze & Go: Freshly squeezed orange juice, promoting reusable packaging and autism awareness.
• Moist: Artisan hummus and handmade flatbread, focusing on natural ingredients.

Crafts and Handmade Goods

• JP Woodworking: Handmade wooden items such as chopping boards and serving boards.
• Jane Thomas Pottery: Handmade pottery and ceramic sculptures inspired by nature.
• Love Joy Creative: Handcrafted polymer clay earrings.
• Lost Isle Project: Sustainable British wool accessories.
• Emma Chapman Pottery: Affordable, functional hand-thrown tableware.
• Two Tone Rebel: Acrylic and Jesmonite jewellery.
• Thrift May's: Unique, handmade children's clothes from upcycled materials.
• Little Brown Fox: Sustainable toys and gifts crafted in a home studio.
• Heloise Petitpois: Artistic cards, prints, and handmade decorative items.
• Alice Hawkins Art: Illustrated cards, prints, and original art, printed sustainably.
• Two Fold Print Studio: Bold, playful screen-printed artworks.
• Mogsta: Original art coloring books and stationery.

Vintage and Antiques

• Anna's Attic: A selection of Polish folk art, hand-painted mirrors, and more.
• Milly's Vintage and Crafts: Vintage clothing, accessories, and home goods.
• Wendy Silver: Eclectic vintage and antique items like toys and radios.

Health and Wellbeing

• Hibi Botanics: High-performance skincare products made from pure plant ingredients.
• Horrington Handmade Soaps: Vegan soaps made using natural oils and botanicals.
• The Last Drop: Refilled beauty and body care products, focused on natural ingredients.
• Essence & Bloom Gift Co: Sustainable home fragrance and body care products.

Home and Gardens

• Thomas D'Arcy – The Garden House: Fine plants and garden-related artefacts.
• The Sustainable Shop: Eco-friendly household items and crafts.
• Mendip Fireplaces: Wood-burning stoves and outdoor fire solutions.
• LB Pet Care Services: Quality dog treats and homemade biscuits.
• Caroline Appleby: Cushions and lampshades crafted from a mix of vintage and new fabrics.

The Sunday Market will operate on the last Sunday of each month from 10 am to 3 pm on the following dates in 2024:

• Sunday, 28th April
• Sunday, 28th July
• Sunday, 29th September
• Sunday, 24th November

With plans to expand to ten events in 2025, running from March through November, the Shepton Mallet Sunday Market is set to become a significant highlight in the community calendar.

Whether you're there for the music, food, or unique crafts, the Shepton Mallet Sunday Market offers something for everyone. It's a perfect opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy a day filled with entertainment and delicious food.