Hatherleigh Community Market marks first anniversary in new all-weather home

Hatherleigh Community Market is celebrating a landmark first year in its purpose-built, all-weather facility, officially opened on 6 December 2024 during a two-day Christmas Fair attended by hundreds and formally launched by renowned children’s author Sir Michael Morpurgo. The opening represented the culmination of years of campaigning to secure the market’s future after the closure and redevelopment of the town’s historic pannier market site, which had operated for more than 900 years and was one of the oldest traditional markets in Devon.

To safeguard the market’s long-term future, local residents established a community benefit society, Hatherleigh Community Market Ltd, to lease and operate the new venue. The group is also responsible for major fundraising efforts, securing £228,000 to pay for building enhancements to the developer's original plans and ensure the building was suitable for year-round trading. Community benefit societies, common across the UK for protecting local assets, operate on a not-for-profit basis and reinvest surplus into community priorities.

Twelve months on, the market has exceeded expectations. Weekly Tuesday markets and auctions have seen sustained growth, with footfall regularly between 500 and 600 visitors, and demand from traders now so high that a waiting list is in place. The venue has also expanded its programme, launching a new monthly Saturday Farmers Market and reinstating the weekly Sunday Car Boot Sale.

Beyond regular trading, the market has become a vibrant events hub. Over the past year it has hosted vintage car gatherings, autojumbles, dog shows, food fairs and Bandamonium, a touring competition bringing together more than 20 silver bands from across the country, ending with a massed-band finale on the market site.

Local authorities and organisations, including Hatherleigh Town Council, West Devon Borough Council, the Hatherleigh Moor Management Committee, and neighbouring businesses, have supported the initiative through grants, sponsorship and partnership working.

Cllr Richard Burrow, Chair of the Hatherleigh Market Working Group, celebrated the achievements of the past year, saying:

“Hatherleigh Community Market has proved what a determined community can achieve together. One year on, the market is thriving in its new purpose built all weather facility, enjoying hundreds of visitors each week, a growing list of traders eager to join, and a calendar packed with farmers markets, auctions, car boot sales, seasonal fairs, food fairs, and other community events. The support from local partners and volunteers has been key to our success. We are building a market that acts as a vital trading hub, connecting local producers with local customers supporting the local economy and keeping food miles down, allowing people to shop in a more sustainable way."

To mark the first anniversary of the new building, Hatherleigh Community Market is once again hosting a two-day Christmas Fair on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December. Highlights include:

• A food hall showcasing local food and drink producers

• A main hall filled with crafts, gifts, antiques and collectables

• Festive street-food vendors

• A visit from Father Christmas

• Live performances from Hatherleigh Silver Band and the Hatherleigh Christmas Singers

• A festive tractor run finishing at the market

• A Christmas tree decorating competition

With strong community backing and a full calendar of events, Hatherleigh Community Market looks set to remain at the heart of the town’s cultural and economic life for generations to come.