The stars will gather on Saturday, July 21 to officially open Wolverhampton’s new city centre market.
The launch event will take place between 10.30am and 2.30pm at the purpose-built location off Cleveland Street.
5 out of 5 AA Rosette and multi-Michelin Star award-winning chef, Jean Christophe Novelli, will be joined by City of Wolverhampton’s very-own Britain’s Got Talent finalist Donchez Dacres to showcase the new venue.
The Signal 107 roadshow will also provide entertainment with Drivetime presenter Steve Mason on stage, as well as Wolverhampton singer, Rachel White, who entertained the crowds at May’s Wolves Promotion Party in the Park.
Jean Christophe will be using his skills to make use of produce from the new market with two 40-minute live cooking demonstrations and will take part in a Q&A session.
Market-goers can meet the star chef and grab one of three recipe cards. There is also the chance to win a signed Novelli Academy apron and ‘Simply Novelli’ cook book.
Donchez shot to fame earlier this year – finishing third on the back of his catchy tune, Wiggle Wine – he will be performing on the day and signing autographs.
Guests of honour at the launch also include the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Phil Page, and National Association of British Market Authorities President, Councillor Chris Rosling-Josephs.
The new market will first open for business on Tuesday, July 17.
Councillor Steve Evans, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Environment, said: “We hope the launch event will encourage even more visitors to see what is on offer at the new market.
“The current city centre market traders have been accommodated and we expect occupancy at the new market to be close to 100 per cent once it is open.
“The addition of new traders will provide a more varied range of sales lines to differentiate it from a traditional market offer.”
The market is relocating from its current Market Square base and will boast 20 cabins and 48 stalls.
It will offer the flexibility to trade from bigger cabins, event space, a secure site with measures in place to combat hostile vehicles while still allowing access for traders to load and unload, CCTV, integrated lighting and power, free WiFi, canopy-covered walkways, offices, customer toilets, and comprehensive parking and storage facilities.
The new market will also provide increased footfall from the Wulfrun Centre and transport Interchange, as well as situating the market in a student catchment area.
Cllr Evans added: “The new market, partly funded by the sale of Market Square as part of the Westside scheme, has loads of potential – and we want this to be the people’s market, where events are also encouraged.
“It will provide vitality and important footfall to this area of the city and is another example of the regeneration of Wolverhampton.”
The market move will see 48 tented stalls and 16 purpose-built cabins transferred from Market Square.
The Market Square location is to be absorbed into the new £55 million leisure-led Westside development by developer Urban&Civic.
This will deliver a multi-screen cinema, restaurants, bars, hotel, multi-storey car park, apartments, and public realm to the heart of the city centre, in two phases, over five years.
The city centre market is one of three markets in Wolverhampton, with Bilston and Wednesfield markets also popular places to shop.
