Devizes has held its second ever Indie Day, complete with live music, Morris Dancers and even a town crier.

Organised by InDevizes, the event encouraged people to get out and support local retailers.

The InDevizes group, which is made up of independent business owners, emerged last year.

Their first Indie Day, held in September, was so succesful a second was organised.

Roger Day, who lives in Wedhampton, acted as a town crier and kicked off Indie Day at 10am. His voice could be heard far and wide as meandered throughout the town centre.

Shoppers, shop owners and stall holders alike said the day had been a huge success with the warm weather appreciated.

Heather Barnett was stationed outside Devizes Books, signing copies of her book Acts of Kindness.

"It's amazing to see something like this," she said.

"It's been wonderful to see people in real life and talk to them.
 

"I’m immensely grateful to Devizes Books for letting me play a part."

Devizes Books enjoyed a busy day

Devizes Books enjoyed a busy day

The word "busy" was echoed by most retailers, with eateries such as Brogan's reporting a high level of customers and takeaway orders.

Jaqui Bull, of Jaqui's Homemade Sweets, had a market stall in the Market Place.

"It's been brilliant so far," she said.

"Markets have been quite strong throughout lockdown, but to have the extra footfall on a day like this is just something else."

There was also a Young Traders spot on Sidmouth Street.

Stalls for Becky Hanney, Jack Baldwin, Eyah Bakes Cakes and Harriet’s Crafts & Creations, were complimented by nearby live music and facepainting.

indie Day Devizes Indie Day brings the crowds to Devizes Little Brittox Photo Trevor Porter 67436 8

indie Day Devizes Indie Day brings the crowds to Devizes Little Brittox Photo Trevor Porter 67436 8

The stallholders, many of which had grown their art and online shops during lockdown, said it had been a chance to reach a new audience – and experience a taste of normality.

“It’s fantastic seeing so many businesses working together to pull the town out of lockdown and in to recovery,” said Cllr Iain Wallis, on Sidmouth Street.

“There has always been a strong community spirit in Devizes, not least among the independent traders, and that’s exactly what we need if the town is not just going to recover but become even stronger than before."

Indie Day 2 also featured a wide array of musical performances.

indie Day Devizes Alan Braunton bassoon ‘ of Take five’ at the opens the Indie Day in Devizes Market Place Photo Trevor Porter 67436 3

indie Day Devizes Alan Braunton bassoon ‘of Take five’ at the opens the Indie Day in Devizes Market Place Photo Trevor Porter 67436 3

In the Market Place, Take Five, Segregation 6 Brass and singers from The Invitation Theatre Company (TITCO) had attracted a large audience and the music continued well into the afternoon – with Dominic Irving and Will Foulston playing the piano in the Shambles, and with Dominic and Dori putting on piano and cello.

Energetic performances from the Devizes Jubilee Morris group were also well received.

Laura Mayes, deputy leader of Wiltshire Council, said Indie Day 2 had reflected the strength of the town.

While watching the Devizes Jubilee Morris group, she said: "Its quite something to see so many people out and enjoying everything Devizes has to offer. This just showcases the scale of our amazing local shops."

Devizes Indie Day

Devizes Indie Day

Cllr Wallis added: “The work done to bring this day together by the indies, with the help of the town council officers, is inspiring and should serve as an example to all of Wiltshire’s excellent market towns of what can be achieved by working together”

Find out more about the work of InDevizes at https://www.indevizes.org.uk/