A series of Christmas Markets will be held on four successive Saturdays in Tiverton – all featuring gifts galore, live music, street food and festive fun.

Tiverton Pannier Market is gearing up for the launch event this Saturday (27 November), the day of the Christmas lights switch-on.

The market will have extended opening hours of 8.30am to 8pm and more than 30 stalls, including organic Christmas trees.

A host of activities will get under way from 4pm, ahead of the switch-on at 6pm.

They include live music from international award-winning trumpet player Luis Martelo, Christmas songs by Tiverton Amateur Operatic Society, street food with local trio Cheese Please Louise, The Pizza Box and Thongsay Thai Catering, a raffle in aid of Kindness for Kirk and an open arts and crafts session with Creative Mojo.

Tiverton Town Band will wrap up the entertainment with a performance from 6.15pm to 7.15pm.

Jim Bray, market manager, said:

“We’re looking forward to another cracking day, with lots for people to see and do before and after the switch-on.

“Bearing in mind the Covid situation and the scaling back of other activities in the town, we’ve decided to change the format this year, opting against an Electric Nights event that has traditionally sat alongside the switch-on.

“We’re confident of an excellent event and look forward to resuming Electric Nights or similar in future, when it’s safe to do so.”

Saturday 4 December will see the second all-new Tiverton Farmers Market, from 9am to 2pm, following the overwhelming success of the first event in November.

Visitors can enjoy 50-plus stalls, an abundance of local food and drink, a host of marvellous makers, Santa’s Grotto and live music from classical crossover singer Tamsin Ball, Take Note Community Choir and Calvin, a 10-year-old piano player from Tiverton who has become something of a social media star.

The market is hosting “Blundell’s in the Community” on Saturday 11 December, featuring performances from the school’s finest musicians and international street food from its chefs.

There will also be a children’s hunt for Santa’s Lost Presents, which will be hidden all around the market, and a Santa Grand Prix with radio-controlled cars.

The Christmas Markets wrap up on Saturday 18 December, when there will again be over 30 stalls and an opportunity for last-minute shopping.

Visitors can also take in a performance by Tiverton Concert Band and try Spanish chocolate and Churros, among other things.

Mr Bray said:

“We’ve been bustling with independent traders on Saturdays since the summer and we’re set to be even busier between now and Christmas.

“There will be lots of stalls and gifts to explore, high-quality live music, a variety of street food and other festive activities, with free parking in the multi-storey on all four Saturdays.

“You can see lots of the traders here on Saturdays at our general markets every Tuesday and Friday.”

The market is also hosting The Great Western Teddy Bear Fair this Sunday (28 November) and the Tiverton Christmas Craft and Gift Fair on Sunday 5 December, while it is running a Christmas Card Competition where all entries will be displayed around the building.

---