SOMERSET’S newest market launches in Shepton Mallet this month.

The new Shepton Mallet Sunday Market aims to showcase the best produce and makers the south west has to offer.

Around 60 handpicked stalls are set to set up for the first event on April 28, offering a diverse mix of produce.

Shoppers are being told to expect a mix of vintage, designer-makers, food, antiques, home and gardens and art alongside live music and DJs, workshops and family activities including Sing-a-Ling, a children’s music and singing workshop, across the town centre.

Running from 10am until 3pm on the last Sunday of the month, four markets are planned for April 28, July 28, September 29 and November 24.

Pitches are free of charge for the first year, organisers said, with the market expanding to 10 events in 2025.

Shepton Mallet Sunday Market is being produced by Black Sheep Events CIC, a new team of residents and business owners, who share the aim of working together to regenerate the town who say they are “working to put Shepton back on the map”.

Market manager, Charlie Bolderow, said he was passionate about helping local businesses flourish.

He played a role in developing nearby Frome’s reputation as a hub for creative industries and managed the Artisan Market (now The Frome Independent), the Griffin pub and Black Swan Arts.

He is now bringing this passion and expertise to the Shepton Mallet Sunday Market.

She said: “50% of the new market’s traders are businesses from Shepton Mallet or within five miles of the town.

“This just proves what a vibrant and exciting part of the world we live in.”

Amber Smithwick, who is involved in trader selection, moved to Shepton Mallet three years ago and fell instantly in love with the town for its unmatched community spirit.

She opened a restaurant, Aurora Kusina, on the High Street a year after moving and soon met many like-minded individuals trying to make a positive impact.

“Shepton Mallet has an inclusiveness like nowhere I’ve experienced before,” she said.

Katie Barton, who sold antiques at local markets and fairs across the south west before moving to Shepton to start a family, added: “Having a new market breathes fresh life and bring new people into Shepton who may not otherwise have realised what a unique town we are – full of brilliant independent businesses and beautiful creative minds.”