TRADERS in Devizes are gearing up for a special day on September 5 when they will be showcasing their wares amid a blaze of publicity.

Indie Day has been organised by Indies in Devizes which sprung up after coronavirus restrictions were lifted in June in a bid to get people to shop local.

Website creator Ida McConnell and shop owner Justina Pettifer got together to create a platform for independent traders to help each other to thrive post lockdown.

Now the group has organised Indie Day with the backing of Devizes Town Council to get over the message that Devizes is open for business and has plenty to offer.

Justina, who runs the Healthy Life in the Little Brittox, said: “We hope as many people as possible will come into town on September 5 to show their support.”

During the day people are being urged to visit seven independents and then feed back on what they found to be the most exciting and unusual things on offer.

A town trail of shops taking party will be available with prizes on offer. There will also be music and donkeys in the Market Place.

The town council is doing its bit to support the day by offering fee stalls for people aged under 25 to show off their wares in The Shambles indoor market.

A Repair Cafe is also to be set up in the Shambles by Sustainable Devizes. A spokesman said: “Dig out your blunt garden tools, scissors, knives and woodworking tools and bring them along for some TLC. Alternatively if your bicycle needs a bit of work to restore it to service then bring that along. The service is free.”

The Shop Indie group has been backed by all political parties in the town and MP Danny Kruger met Justina and Ida to hear how traders were faring.

He said: “Do support your local retailers - we’re blessed with an amazing range of independent shops in Devizes and they need our custom.”