A new organisation has been drafted in to support this year’s Weavers Markets in Trowbridge to showcase the best of local artisan food, drink, arts and crafts producers.

The committee that operates the markets has signed up Green Top Markets, based in Newport, South Wales, to help support the outdoor markets, which are staged on the second Saturday of each month.

Wiltshire Times: Returning to the market John and Susie Skinner with their Table Top crafts. Image: Trevor Porter 76965-5Returning to the market John and Susie Skinner with their Table Top crafts. Image: Trevor Porter 76965-5 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Cllr Stewart Palmen, who chairs the Trowbridge Weavers Market committee, said: “Saturday’s market was a great success.

“We had a wide range of stalls than normal, 35 in total, and we were using Green Top Markets to help run it this month.

“We had a review meeting and have concluded that we are going to work together with Green Top Markets on all future markets.

“They will be doing all the bookings and administration and we will supply our volunteers.”

Wiltshire Times: Bringing traditional skills to the market Jac Hopper with a 105 year old specialist leather sewing machine at work at the Weavers Market. Image: Trevor Porter 76965-4Bringing traditional skills to the market Jac Hopper with a 105 year old specialist leather sewing machine at work at the Weavers Market. Image: Trevor Porter 76965-4 (Image: Trevor Porter)

On its website, Green Top Markets says: “Based in South Wales, our food and craft markets have a very particular ethos which is different to a food or craft festival, farmers market or supermarket shopping experience.

“We aim to promote local produce and local people whilst creating a community hub within a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.”

At future markets, Green Top will provide all the tables, chairs and gazebos needed and will be planning the layout and taking the bookings, making it easier for those wanting to set up stalls.

Saturday’s market was busy throughout the day and was accompanied by a street party to celebrate the opening of the Still Sisters gin distillery in St George’s Works.

Wiltshire Times: Tori Jordan , Hayley Coles and Andrea Dos Aujos at their street party to celebrate the launch of the Still Sisters gin distillery. Image: Trevor Porter 76966-1Tori Jordan , Hayley Coles and Andrea Dos Aujos at their street party to celebrate the launch of the Still Sisters gin distillery. Image: Trevor Porter 76966-1 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Tori Jordan, who runs Still Sisters with her elder sister Hannah Smith, provided outdoor seating to enable visitors to take the weight off their feet after wandering around the Weavers Market.

The distillery also laid on nibbles, a full bar, hot drinks and cakes as well as some specials for the children, including a glitter artist. There was live music from local group Sour Apple, from 2pm.

Wiltshire Times: In full swing: Sour Apple entertain at the Still Sisters street party at St George’s Works. Image: Trevor Porter 76966-2In full swing: Sour Apple entertain at the Still Sisters street party at St George’s Works. Image: Trevor Porter 76966-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The volunteer-run Trowbridge Weavers Market brings together independent traders, live music, arts and street food.

The markets are popular with shoppers and visitors to Trowbridge town centre and will be held on the second Saturday of the month from 10am to 4pm.

The forthcoming dates are: May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12, November 9 and December 14.