NEWPORT was abuzz yesterday — thanks to the rejuvenation of the market in St Thomas' Square.

A new community interest company, Market Days, has launched to focus on local produce and traders and the market heritage of Newport.

The town has had a market since the 12th Century and Market Days intends to revitalise the tradition and keep a market going.

The launch was held in partnership with the Newport Farmers' Market, which is celebrating its 21st anniversary.

Mary Case, who sells honey and leads the Farmers' Market, was displaying a County Press from the launch in 1999.

She said: "The market started off with local producers and many of them went on to open their own farm shops, including the Briddlesford Farm, Brownriggs and Farmer Jacks.

"The market showed them their products would sell seven days a week. People have gone on to have thriving farm shops off the back of it."

The Little Nook, a shop in Town Lane, used the opportunity to display its products to a new audience.

Vicki Hunter said: "I love the idea of the market. Newport has got a long history of markets and these days the community is focussed on buying local due to the lockdown, which hopefully is not a blip, and people will continue to support local traders."

Colin Boswell, of the IW Garlic Farm, said: "20 years ago when we set up the first Farmers' Market, having the stall developed into us opening the Garlic Farm.

"The market was important to us and hopefully it is important to Newport, to get more life into the town."

Claire Kennard, of Market Days, said: “We are delighted with the community response to the launch of our community interest company Market Days.

"It was fabulous to see St Thomas Square infused with such a lovely ambiance, people were chatting with each other and the traders and buying local good quality produce and crafts.

"The direct connection between the growers and producers and the community is what brings life and purpose to the town, Newport has a rich history as a market town and so the very essence of its heritage is built on people interacting and connecting in the high street.

"We set up Market Days to try to reverse some of the decline that we are seeing in the High Streets and outdoor events and markets are a fantastic way to provide a safe and effective way to help with the recovery from Covid-19.”

An augmented market day will include additional crafts and produce as well as the stalls of the regular members of the Friday Farmers' Market.