Traders welcomed customers to their new home for the first time following a multi million pound redevelopment.

The sun was shining down on the purpose built canopy that will better protect traders from any bad weather.

While other improvements include easier access, upgraded toilets, enhanced stalls, a flexible events space, new signage, taxi drop off and improved public areas.

More than £8 million has been invested in the market redevelopment through a combination of Government and council funding.

The events space will be used for the first time on Saturday 11 July (10am to 3pm) to hold a celebration event officially marking the opening of the new market.

Dicky Dodd will host the event and special guest on the day will be celebrity chef, Glynn Purnell, who will deliver cooking demonstrations.

There will be an array of family friendly activities to enjoy, including K-Pop performances, circus show and demonstration, dragon walkabout character, craft workshops, Caribbean dance performances, sandpits, colouring area, face painters, balloon modelling, singers, mini food festival and free market goodybags (while stocks last).

Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: “I’m absolutely blown away, it’s a historic day for Bilston because we’ve put the investment in and the market is jam packed.

“The traders absolutely love the new market and if they’re happy, then everyone should be – and I’m over the moon.”

Bilston outdoor market trader, Julie Emery of JD Produce, selling fruit and veg, said: “The working conditions are so much better. The old market was tired and we’ve now got a lovely fresh new market – and it’s beautiful.

“Everyone has come out to see us and it’s buzzing today – the future is going to be good at Bilston Market.”

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, the council’s Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: “It’s fantastic to see all the customers enjoying Bilston Market – the result of all the hard work speaks for itself.

“I’m sure our residents and customers will enjoy this market for many years to come and I’d like to thank the outdoor and indoor traders for their support and patience throughout the redevelopment works and welcome them to their new home.”

Bilston Market’s normal opening times are Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, between 8am and 4pm each day.