Half term opening event for Great Yarmouth Market

The event starts at 10.30am with a children's trail to explore the market. The first 150 children to complete the trail will receive a golden ticket, which they can take along to Unique Sweets (unit 5) and exchange for pick 'n' mix sweets.

As part of the opening event, we are looking for two contestants to assist local chefs, Mark Dixon from The Kings Arms, Fleggburgh and Peter Clarke from Imperial Hotel, as they battle for glory in 'On Your Market, Get Set, Cook!' Two teams of one chef and one contestant will cook up two courses in front of an audience starting at 12 noon.

For a chance to be selected as a contestant, enter via the Market Place Facebook or Instagram pages by sending a message telling us why you think you would make a great contestant, any connections you have to the market and what you like about the new market. Entries close Thursday 15 February, the winners will be notified on the social media page they applied on. Entrants will need to be aged 16 or over. 

The Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Cllr Penny Carpenter will taste the dishes before the audience are asked to vote for a winner. 

There will also be some food demonstrations taking place throughout the day with recipe cards available to take away. 

There will be entertainment organised by Freshly Greated including Play Produce Promote Young Musicians - Jasmine Dunn, Eleanor Yates and Jade Horry, local dance group - Broadway Bellas and Jade Murray.

There are various takeaway food options available from the market and we are encouraging residents to tickle their taste buds! Some stalls will be taking part with free 'Taster Tickets' available on the day, allowing a sample to be tried from stalls including Curly Mac 'n' Cheese, Kolis, Mr Wrap, Just One Indian Street Food, Ki-Ki-Ri-Ki, Lucky House and Copland's Bakery (TBC). Taster tickets will be available from 11.30am to 1.30pm.

More entertainment and demonstrations will take place in the afternoon plus a floral arranging workshop for adults, to take place outside Jack's Flowers (unit 15) at 1.30pm. This will be free to attend but places must be booked. Email marketing@great-yarmouth.gov.uk with your name and phone number.

Councillor Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Council, said: 'It is extremely exciting to see the new Market Place fully open and the traders settling in well. It has plenty on offer for local shoppers.'

Labour group leader Trevor Wainwright said: 'The undercover entertainment area allows for local organisations to showcase their talents and a fantastic space for people to sit and enjoy the food available.'