You’re invited to the official reopening of Barnstaple Pannier Market

Barnstaple Pannier Market is set to celebrate its official reopening on Friday (November 24) after undergoing extensive refurbishment works as part of North Devon Council's Market Quarter regeneration project.

Having partially opened its doors in August, the market is now fully reopen and welcomes residents, visitors and local businesses to join in a celebration of this monumental achievement.

The ceremony kicks off at 2pm, with people invited to come along to support local traders and explore the many goods on offer, before strolling through the market and enjoying exhibitions in the revamped Corn Store.

The celebration will be accompanied by acoustic live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere. To add to the experience, a variety of refreshments and a seating area will be available.

The pinnacle of the event will be the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3pm. Guests, including the leader, deputy chair and deputy chief executive of the council, deputy mayor, the chairman of traders, a respected long-standing trader, Selaine Saxby MP and members of the Market Quarter project team and contractors will all be in attendance.

Chair of North Devon Council, Councillor Julie Hunt, said: “I invite the community to join us for the official opening of the newly refurbished Barnstaple Pannier Market.

“Explore the market's renewed charm and celebrate this special occasion. Join us at 3pm for the ribbon cutting ceremony, marking a new chapter for our beloved market."

Lead member for economic development and regeneration, Cllr Malcolm Prowse added: “Join us in celebrating the official opening of the Barnstaple Pannier Market. Come and explore the transformed space, support your brilliant local traders, and be part of this memorable moment for Barnstaple.”

The refurbishment of the Pannier Market was made possible thanks to funding from the Government's Future High Streets Fund programme.

Barnstaple’s bid for funding was developed following consultation with local people and the business community, and sought to enhance both the quality of the town centre experience and the variety of offer.

The council's bid was successful, with £6.5milion received from the Government and £4.4m match funding provided by the council.

The council said the completion of the market works marks a milestone in the town's regeneration. As the first of four town centre regeneration initiatives to reach completion, the market has been repaired, redecorated and transformed into a flexible space suitable for hosting a dynamic range of markets, cultural events, and community gatherings.