WARM and sunny spring weather on Sunday tempted many out for the first of this year’s new Andover farmers’ and crafts markets in the High Street.

Forty stalls packed the centre of town offering an array of food, drink, plants, and arts and crafts to the bumper crowd – and reinforcing Andover’s ‘market town’ credentials.

The bustling atmosphere was helped along by music from Sing for Fun in the Time Ring.

Hazel Hancock, portrait and caricature artist, and a stallholder on the day said: “We had an absolutely brilliant day.

“It was well organised, a g r e a t turnout, brilliant location and a really high footfall.”

O a k t r a c k Smallholding echoed this sentiment.

A company spokesman said: “This market is invaluable to smallholders and small businesses and there was a great buzz in the High Street.

“It was really good to see Andover being a market town. Long may it continue.”

Leader of the borough council, Ian Carr, pictured left, said: “This first Andover farmers’ and crafts market run by the borough council has been an unqualified success and is another practical example of the council’s commitment to keep the High Street alive and encourage more visitors and shoppers to the town.

“When I arrived at 10am the market was already busy and the High Street was buzzing with traders and shoppers.”

Forthcoming events in the High Street include a business fair on Friday, 28 March, Bert & Gert’s artisan and vintage market on Sunday, 11 May, and the next farmers’ and crafts market on Sunday, 18 May.