Chippenham Market Welcomes New Traders
We are inviting new traders to join Chippenham Market and become part of a tradition that has been at the heart of our town for more than 800 years.
Our Friday and Saturday markets continue to bring a mix of stalls to the town centre and provide a fantastic opportunity for businesses to connect with local shoppers.
Whether you’re an artisan maker, local producer, small business owner or looking to test a new idea, we offer both casual and permanent pitches. You don’t need to trade both days, and we’re always keen to hear from traders looking to try something new.
To help support new businesses, we are offering a new incentive scheme. Traders who commit to four consecutive weeks at the market will receive a further four weeks free on their stall fees. We also reward existing traders who refer a new trader to us through our referral scheme.
We are particularly looking to expand our range of groceries, gifts and household goods, and would love to hear from anyone interested in running a fruit and vegetable stall.
As the custodians of a market that dates back to 1205, we are proud to continue this historic tradition while supporting local businesses. If you’re interested in becoming a trader, please click on the following link to visit our Friday & Saturday Market page to find out more and get in contact – Friday & Saturday Market.
Chippenham Town Council
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The autumn 2026 edition of Talk Chippenham has started landing on doorsteps across the town this week.
Inside, you'll find details of upcoming events at the Neeld Community & Arts Centre and Chippenham Museum, along with updates on the Chippenham Neighbourhood Plan annual report, climate and biodiversity, and Stanley Park SG.
A digital version is also available on our website here - bit.ly/TalkChip
Printed copies can be collected from the Town Hall, Chippenham Museum or Stanley Park Sports Ground.
We’re delighted to announce the winner of Chippenham’s Favourite Tree competition.
Following 30 nominations from across the town, eight finalists were shortlisted before being put to a public vote.
And the winner is... the beautiful Weeping Willow at the junction of The Tinings and Blackbridge Road!
Everyone who nominated a tree was also entered into a prize draw to win a £100 National Garden Centre voucher. Congratulations to Melissa, who was selected at random and has collected her prize.
Our Arboricultural Officer has shared some fascinating facts about willow trees, from their importance to wildlife to their uses throughout history.
“With their distinctive weeping form, willow trees are instantly recognisable and highly valued in landscapes for their elegance and beauty. Their cascading branches create movement and shade, while also providing valuable habitat for wildlife and a striking visual presence throughout the year.
Long associated with resilience, healing and a deep connection to nature, the willow has held a powerful place in mythology, literature and popular culture. In Greek mythology, the willow was sacred to Persephone, while Hans Christian Andersen used it as a symbol of friendship and love in Under the Willow Tree. More recently, the famous Whomping Willow from the Harry Potter series introduced a more formidable side to this much-loved tree.
Willows have also played an important role in traditional medicine for centuries. Infusions made from their bitter bark were used to treat fevers and colds, while young leaves and twigs were used to relieve inflammatory conditions in both people and livestock.
Beyond their cultural and medicinal significance, willows have long been valued for their versatile timber. The Celts used willow wood to make chariot wheels because of its ability to absorb shock without splintering. Today, willow is still used in the manufacture of cricket bats and stumps, traditional Dutch clogs and everyday items such as clothes pegs.”
Congratulations to our winning tree and thank you to everyone who took part. It was wonderful to see so many of Chippenham’s trees celebrated by the community.
Remembrance decorations in Chippenham
We have been made aware of conversations on social media suggesting that Chippenham Town Council is not allowing Remembrance decorations to be installed in the town. We would like to clarify the position.
Chippenham Town Council has not declined this request. The request from the Chippenham branch of the Royal British Legion relates to the installation of Poppy Appeal decorations on street furniture controlled by Wiltshire Council and therefore requires Wiltshire Council's approval.
We understand that the Royal British Legion has submitted its request to Wiltshire Council and that this has been declined under its current policy in relation to attaching items to street furniture. Chippenham Town Council has written directly to Wiltshire Council asking that the decision be reconsidered and we are awaiting a response.
Chippenham Town Council works closely with the Chippenham Royal British Legion each year to mark Remembrance. On Remembrance Sunday, this includes a church service at St Andrew's Church, followed by a service at the War Memorial, where the local community gathers to observe the two-minute silence and lay wreaths. An Act of Remembrance, including a two-minute silence, is also held outside the Town Hall on Armistice Day.
In accordance with the Council's flag-flying protocol, the Lest We Forget flag will be flown from the Town Hall throughout the Remembrance period, with the Union Flag flown on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
Chippenham Town Council has worked in partnership with the Chippenham Royal British Legion for many years and remains fully supportive of its work to mark Remembrance and the important contribution made by those who have served and continue to serve our country.