WINCHESTER showcased its wide range of independent shops, businesses and eateries from across the city at a special Independents Market.

The market lined the city’s High Street on Sunday in a celebration of the local independent business community.

Winchester has an unusual shopping culture with more than half of its retail businesses being independently owned and managed.

The market is part of an initiative from the Winchester BID to promote Winchester’s diverse portfolio of independent business ventures.

Paul Spencer, Projects and Operations Manager for Winchester BID, said: “It was great to see so many people out and about in Winchester for the Independents Market. There are so many hidden gems in our city centre so it was the perfect opportunity to showcase them on the High Street and show what Winchester has to offer to residents and visitors alike. We hope that people will continue to love the local.”

The Independents Market is part of a calendar of events taking place in the city throughout July and August, including a children’s ‘Independent Street’ and an ‘Indie Trail’.

Chris Turner, business development director for the BID, said: “Here at Winchester BID, we exist to support our local businesses. Part of that in Winchester is about celebrating our fantastic array of independent shops and eateries. To see so many of them meeting and greeting new and old customers alike at the Independents Market was simply brilliant. It was a great way to demonstrate what makes Winchester’s business community innovative and unique.”