A MARKET for small independent Swindon businesses to show off their wares will return this weekend.

Shop Small Swindon will be back at The Hop Inn on Devizes Road tomorrow from 10am to 4pm, and then on December 19.

Kate Holtom joined the first market in October with her houseplants business Fern and Ivy

She said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and had a particularly good day at The Hop.

"The other traders are all wonderful people and the range of products that was on offer was fantastic.

"I am really disappointed to not be able to attend this weekend as planned, but have just opened a shop in Cirencester, which wasn't initially on the cards. 

"I hope that in the new year, I'll be able to have a more permanent slot with Shop Small Swindon as I settle into a routine with the shop."

Lisa Lowe of Ooh Lovely Lilo Ceramics set up the market with help from Dona Bradley, who did all the artwork, posters, flyers and banners because they wanted to give the town's indie traders a place to promote themselves and attract customers.

Lisa added: "Hopefully this will improve their businesses and help them grow. I want this to be a regular drumbeat for independent shops, a place where people can support their communities, and something different for people to do.

"Last time, we had lots of Halloween-themed goods and this one will be more festive, so that people can do their Christmas shopping, and with different traders each time because we've got more requests than I can fit in.

Around 30 people with 24 stalls will be part of the market.