A COUPLE of new traders will be making their first appearance at a popular artisan street market this weekend.

The monthly Braintree Street Market, which sees dozens of stalls spread out across Market Place and High Street, returns on Saturday and is once again expected to draw hundreds of shoppers to the town centre.

The market will see a first appearance from traders Chocolate Moments and Terracottasenses, while Goat in a Soap will also be returning following a successful debut appearance at last month’s street market.

Chocolate Moments will be offering a range of artisan chocolates, truffles, bars and even gluten-free brownies.

Terracottasenses will be selling a meanwhile have a mixture of homeware and accessories available.

There will be a total of 45 traders present at the street market, which runs between 7.30am and 3.30pm.

Food stalls will make up 16 of that number, while traders specialising in gift items will be the second best represented category, with 14.

Shoppers will also be able to enjoy a range of other stalls, which include home and garden, religion and services, and a single drinks stall.

Braintree Council has continually stated the street market, which was trialled several times last year, is helping to raise the profile of the town and bring new visitors to the town’s High Street.

Such has been its success, council bosses plan to hold a further seven street markets this year, with two lined up for the busy pre-Christmas period in December.

The market also continues to receive rave reviews on popular website TripAdvisor.

It has now received six separate five-star ratings from users, with the only other reviewer offering a four-star rating.

Many of the reviews have highlighted the “cheerful” atmosphere and layout of the street market as key to its success and growing popularity.

To view a list of all traders attending this weekend’s instalment, visit Braintree Council’s events page online.

The street market is free to attend and parking is available in nearby Manor Street or at the George Yard multi-storey car park, which can be accessed via London Road.