A POPULAR market returned to the centre of Maldon with a successful debut event.

Maldon Market is back for its weekly date at Butt Lane Car Park every Thursday.

Its first event was officially opened by Maldon town mayor Andrew Lay with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

There was a total of 23 stalls confirmed for the first market.

Despite the rainy weather, it was a busy first event with a range of stalls including local and fresh artisan food, including meats, organic veg, fish, pies, cheeses, jams and chutneys.

There was also a mix of arts and crafts stalls dotted around the car park.

Businesses involved in the first market included Tempr’d Chocolate, Crisp Photography, Essex Bakery Brownies, Maldon Coffee Company, Sophie’s Handmade Baby Boutique and many more.

The market is now run by Suffolk Market Events in partnership with Maldon District Council. 

The company successfully runs regular markets in eight other locations in Essex and Suffolk. 

Alex Paul, co-founder of Suffolk Market Events, said: “The first market last week went very well, despite the damp weather.

“We had, and will do again this week, over 20 stalls ranging from fresh meat and vegetables to a fish van, fresh coffee, pies and cheese, flowers, planet and herbs as well as a number of craft stalls including haberdashery, ladies fashion, baby crochet items and local photography.

“We are delighted that the residents have embraced the relaunch of this weekly market and we look forward to a Thursday morning being a regular shopping day in Maldon.”

The next market is on today (Thursday) in Butt Lane Car Park from 9am to 1pm.