ANDOVER'S buzzing monthly market, Second Sundays will return to the High Street this weekend.

The market will make a return on Sunday, October 9, 10am to 3pm, featuring some fabulous stalls and activities.

Offering the perfect opportunity to start some Christmas shopping, visitors can look forward to meeting lots of independent businesses this month selling handmade goods such as scented candles, wax melts and natural soaps.

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Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council, Cllr Phil North, said: “It’s great to see so many traders coming back to Second Sundays as well as host of new businesses this month. It really is an ideal place to shop for gifts if you’re looking for something a little different, whilst supporting local independent traders.

“Second Sundays brings a great atmosphere to the town and with so many different stalls, food options and workshops available it makes for a brilliant day out.”

Foodies will be in for a treat meeting local food sellers offering bottles of gin, scrumptious preserves and perfectly blended teas. Plus, in addition to their beautiful floral displays, Buttercups & Bobbins will also be selling mini gourds and squashes which are edible and make fantastic autumnal decorations.

Familiar favourites will be pitching up outside the Guildhall this month along with some brand new traders, selling an array of goods from vintage clothing and unique artwork to hand-crafted items.

A host of street food stalls will be serving up a feast, keeping everyone refreshed throughout the day. Refreshments will include plant-based Indian dishes, aromatic Greek plates and hearty chopped cheese sandwiches. Trailside Coffee will also be returning to brew up some delicious artisan cups of coffee and Tap on Tour will be pouring ales, spirits and cocktails.

Andover’s seating area, Alfresco Andover, will be popping back up for the day, offering the ideal place to sit and relax, whilst enjoying some food and listening to the DJ’s mixed set.

Alongside the market stalls, there will be some free creative workshops on offer. Beaker Button will be running some drop-in sessions to make a macrame keyring and Dorset Button workshops will be running activities for children with a spooky/Halloween theme.

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The Barefoot Bindery will be running free drop-in print activities where visitors can choose from a pre-cut design and create their very own mini artwork using a printmaker’s press.

Buttercups and Bobbins will also be taking advanced bookings for some upcoming Christmas table centrepiece workshops, which will take place at the following Second Sundays market in November.

The growing monthly market, which launched in June, has been developed by HemingwayDesign, on behalf of Test Valley Borough Council.

Keep up to date with the latest news from Second Sundays Andover on Instagram and Facebook. Traders who would like to apply for a pitch at future markets can do so at secondsundaysandover.co.uk