TWO new traders have been welcomed to Chester Market, as the venue gets ready to host a weekened celebration of the best in the county.

The two new traders are RKM Wools and Deva Deli.

RKM Wools offers everything for those interested in knitting and craft projects. Stocking a huge range of colourful wools including brands such as James C Brett, Wendy Wools, King Cole and Woolcraft, plus haberdashery, buttons and knitting needles.

Owner Nigel Morris said: “We are delighted to open our fourth outlet at Chester Market and bring our wide range of wools to such a wonderful market. If we don’t have what you need in stock, we can always order from our warehouse, or you can order via our website www.rkmwools.co.uk.”

Deva Deli has opened adjacent to the main entrance, and is owned by Max Dixon, who comes from a family of market traders that have operated delis and butchers in Liverpool and Birkenhead Markets for over 40 years.

Cheshire produce will make up a large proportion of Deva Deli’s stock, including locally sourced eggs, pies and cooked meats, plus a great range of chutneys, jams and cheeses.

Max said: “Markets run in my family, so it’s been a great opportunity for me to expand into such a fantastic new market which has got off to a flying start since it opened last year and bring great quality local produce to Chester.”

As part of the Cheshire Day celebration on March 30, Chester Market will be holding a Cheshire Weekend from Friday, March 31 to April 2, where goods and food traders will be highlighting their fantastic local suppliers and producers.

Deva Deli’s neighbour, zero waste stall Just Footprints, stock ranges of locally roasted coffee beans from The Lost Barn in Tilston, which can be bought by weight with no packaging waste, plus tins of Harry’s Hot Chocolate, a small batch artisan producer from Nantwich.

Even pets can celebrate Cheshire with Digby & Champ offering exclusive dog treats made locally, by Canine Creations alongside their range of harnesses and leads.

Some of the other highlights of the Cheshire Weekend will include a Mexican pork soup from Crustum topped with mature Calveley Crunch Cheddar made near Nantwich, plus Bean & Cole’s range of cakes produced by Chester’s Kookaburra Bakery, delivered daily via bike - by Chester’s first cycle delivery service iPedal Cargo.

The Market’s main bar Lockwood & Co. is also highlighting local drinks such as Weetwood Ale’s Cheshire Cat brewed near Kelsall and the award-winning Forest Gin distilled near Macclesfield.

The Market’s Cheezy Bandits will also be preparing a unique weekend special using locally produced Cheshire Cheese.

Cheshire Farm Ice Cream expanded its business into the new market from its base near Tattenhall, where the Fell family have famously been manufacturing their ice creams since 1986, producing 10,000 litres per day. A selection of the firm's range of fifty flavours is always available plus milkshakes and deserts.

Many market traders also use locally sourced milk from Peckforton Farm Dairy, a unique producer, processor and distributor which offers a closed loop between farm, pasteurisation and bottling, all delivered in reusable glass bottles.

The Cheshire Weekend runs from March 31-April 2.