A rustic street market featuring food, drink and music is coming to Braintree in the hopes of revitalising trade in the town.

Inspired by street food flavours from across the world, the market will sit alongside the existing Saturday offering, and feature gourmet food trucks where residents can enjoy tasty food and drink from some of the district's most unique businesses.

The introduction of the markets will mean temporary closures of High Street, Braintree, but after the success of similar Christmas time events, Braintree Council is hoping the move can be a boost to town centre trade.

Tom Cunningham, councillor responsible for economic development, said: "These emerging monthly street markets are a way of us looking to update our traditional market to bring more visitors and tourists to our market town.

"We want to unlock Braintree as a modern, vibrant and prosperous place to shop and provide a great market that residents want to visit, so come along to have a spot of lunch from one of the fantastic food stalls and enjoy what the market has to offer.”

Kicking off on Saturday, March 31, the first market will feature the wood-fired pizzas of Nonna's Pizza and Grill and Hungarian sweet treats from Chimney Cake Boutique.

Popular Braintree business Bradford Street Meat Company will be returning after winning plaudits over the festive period selling their fully-loaded hot dogs and fries.

Silks Brewery will bring craft beverages to the market, and the Old Barn Smokery will be selling an array of smoked fish and meat.

Martia Holland, of Nonna’s Pizza and Grill, said: "It will be great to see the town centre re-energized with delicious, independent food and drink vendors and artisan stall holders.

"We hope there will be a real buzz in the town centre, with musicians coming in to complete the scene.”

To round things off, vintage cars will be on show in Great Square, courtesy of CL Classics, and live music will be provided by jazz pianists Jane Stringer and Steve Trowell.

Nine markets will take place before the end of the year and Braintree Council is looking for traders to get involved, visit www.braintree.gov.uk/becomeatrader.