A new monthly craft and produce market, inspired by Calne’s food and drink festival, will open on Saturday.

The market, to be held on the second Saturday of the month, is the idea of Calne Springs Forward, a forum for the town’s businesses.

The forum was set up this year as a joint venture between the town council and chamber of commerce.

Although Calne already has a market every Friday, the group hopes to attract more visitors by setting up stalls at the weekend too.

Peter Vujakovic, chairman of Calne Springs Forward, said the group hoped to capture the excitement generated by last month’s food and drink festival.

He said: “The idea is to offer something very different in Calne, not just to have your typical market.

“We want to provide two markets with character so people start looking forward to coming to Calne.

“By providing more services for people, it keeps the town centre vibrant.”

The group has already filled all the stalls at Phelps Parade for the first market and is looking for stall-holders to fill the rest of the space.

Mr Vujakovic, who plans to hold a special Christmas market for the following session in November, said anyone could apply for a stall.

He said: “We would prefer it to be local, because we want to promote Calne and the surrounding villages, but it could be anything.”

To set up a stall, call Calne Town Council on (01249) 814000.