A POPULAR Somerset antiques fair returned to the Royal Bath & West Showground for the first time this year at the weekend.

Shepton Mallet Antiques Fair, the premier antiques event in the West Country, was held at the showground between Friday, March 11 and Sunday, March 13.

It featured around 600 stands across three halls and sold goods including pantings, antique furniture, vintage teddies, restoration products, and luxury leather luggage.

Somerset County Gazette: The antiques fair returned on Friday at the Royal Bath & West Showground. Picture: Shepton Mallet Antiques FairThe antiques fair returned on Friday at the Royal Bath & West Showground. Picture: Shepton Mallet Antiques Fair

A spokesperson for Shepton Mallet Antiques Fair said: "Shepton Mallet Antiques Fair made its first appearance of 2022 this March, at the Royal Bath & West Showground.

"The three-day antiques fair was packed with antiques dealers from around the world, antiques collectors, interior designers, long-term customers and beaming new faces to the antiques fair.

"Customers indulged in a selection of delicate ceramics, antique glassware, antique silver, antique furniture, vintage clothing, antique treen and thousands more interesting collectors' pieces."

Somerset County Gazette: The fair will return in June. Picture: Shepton Mallet Antiques FairThe fair will return in June. Picture: Shepton Mallet Antiques Fair

A customer who attended commented on the fair's Facebook page: "I came down from Cheltenham and was pleasantly surprised how many dealers and stalls there were.

"It reminded me of going to the fairs in the 90s.

"Well worth a trip next time this is on, might even get a stall myself - highly recommended."

The next Shepton Mallet Antiques Fair will be held between Friday, June 10 and Sunday, June 12.

For more information, visit www.iacf.co.uk/shepton-mallet/.