Shepton Mallet's first Sunday Market, held yesterday, has been hailed a resounding success, attracting over 2000 visitors and filling the town's car parks to capacity.

The event featured a wide variety of stalls, with many traders reporting sell-out success due to the high footfall.

The market, described by attendees as buzzing with activity, offered everything from local crafts to live music and children's activities.

The market's musical lineup was a major draw. On the Town Street Stage, attendees enjoyed performances from Deano Music, who brought a blend of acoustic folk and rhythm-heavy pop, followed by Razzomo with their lively renditions of Balkan, Klezmer, and Celtic folk. Mike Dennis rounded out the afternoon with a unique fusion of violin melodies and rap, using loop pedals to great effect.

Over at Market Square, renowned local DJs such as Arias, Knownaime, and Simon Ruston spun tracks, while "Manos de Fuego" added live percussion to the mix, all powered by a high-quality sound system sponsored by ArtBankCafe.

Beyond the music, the market offered a rich variety of stalls that sold everything from traditional Somerset cheese at Westcombe Dairy to aromatic Guyanese Caribbean dishes from Mahalia's Kitchen.

Sweet treats were in abundance as well, with Sean the Chef offering a selection of brownies and cookie pies, including vegan and gluten-free options.

A heaving Shepton Mallet High Street (Photo: Friends of Windsor Tunnels/Facebook)

Craft lovers had plenty to choose from, with stalls like JP Woodworking, Jane Thomas Pottery, and Love Joy Creative displaying expertly crafted goods. For those interested in vintage and antique items, stalls like Anna's Attic and Milly's Vintage and Crafts provided a treasure trove of finds.

The market also prioritised health and wellbeing, with stalls like Hibi Botanics offering high-performance skincare products and Horrington Handmade Soaps showcasing their vegan soaps made from natural oils and botanicals.

Traders like The Nestcake Caravan shared their delight online, with one vendor stating, "My oh my... What a wonderful day! Huge thanks to everyone at Shepton Mallet Sunday Market for putting on such a bustling and vibrant market."

The SOS Africa Charity Shop also celebrated a record-breaking day, thanking the community for their support which helped smash their daily fundraising goals.

Local police echoed the positive sentiments, noting, "Shepton rocks at the market today. Everyone enjoying the ambience, shopping, food, crafts, kids activities and some music."

The Friends of Windsor Hill Tunnels noted the considerable effort behind the scenes that ensured the day ran smoothly, describing the event as "an absolute triumph."

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 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.