A NEW monthly market is set to be run on Taunton's Castle Green from the spring.

Businesswoman Michelle Beck is preparing for for the first market on Saturday, March 31.

It promises to open the shopping experience up to people from outside of the area who rely on public transport to get into Taunton.

It will also go further to re-establishing Castle Green as a hub of community spirit, creativity, and local commerce.

Statistics show the regular Sunday Taunton Independent Markets Michelle already organises bring in 30 to 40 per cent of new visitors to the town every month, helping boost the local economy in the town.

She said: “This new Saturday market will run alongside our popular Sunday markets and become a regular event on the town's social calendar.

"It will bring more people into our town centre on two weekends each month, therefore benefitting all the businesses within the town centre.”

Michelle will be actively collaborating with Taunton's town centre businesses, seeking their insights and working in partnership with them to ensure the markets complement and enhance the town's vibrant shopping quarters.

To further foster community engagement, she plans to give away free market stalls each month to local businesses from all of Taunton’s shopping districts, allowing them to showcase their unique offerings to a wider audience.

She will be working with local organisations such as GO Create to incorporate different themes into the 2024 markets, and it is hoped these collaborations will infuse the market with an artistic and creative flair, providing an even more diverse and enriching experience for visitors to Taunton.

Michelle added: "I am thrilled to announce this new monthly Saturday Independent Market to Castle Green.

"As a Taunton girl, my aim has always been to create a quality destination market in our town centre and a space to showcase local independent businesses.

"Also, somewhere where the community can come together, celebrate local talent and support other local business owners.

"I want these markets to reflect Taunton’s unique spirit, and I believe that working closely with the local businesses that make our town centre special, is the key to its success.

"I want our markets to evolve to meet the needs and desires of the local community and visitors alike.”

Michelle is inviting views and suggestions from the public so email michelle@byinvitationevents.co.uk with your ideas.