Thousands of shoppers descended on Beccles at the weekend to bag a bargain at the town’s popular antiques street market.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Beccles Antiques Street Market returns to Beccles for eighth year. Photo by Charlotte James Photography & Events.Beccles Antiques Street Market returns to Beccles for eighth year. Photo by Charlotte James Photography & Events. (Image: Charlotte James Photography & Events)

Around 100 stalls were lined up as dealers, collectors and residents wandered through the town.

The market was first set up by Kate Lee from Blyburgate Antiques and Christine Pinsent from Saxons in 2009.

Since then it has gone from strength to strength and has captured huge interest.

Mrs Lee said that up to 10,000 people crammed into the town between 8am and 4pm on Sunday.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Beccles Antiques Street Market returns to Beccles for eighth year. Photo by Charlotte James Photography & Events.Beccles Antiques Street Market returns to Beccles for eighth year. Photo by Charlotte James Photography & Events. (Image: Charlotte James Photography & Events)

She said: “When we originally started there were just over 40 dealers and it is crazy to think at how much it has grown since then.

“There was a constant flurry of people in the town and that would have also benefitted local businesses such as the Wetherspoons and the shops.

“It was a fantastic day as always and I just want to thank all the stallholders and everybody who came to support them.”

On the day, general and specialist dealers sold a wide range of good quality antiques and collectables including furniture, silver, china, linen, jewellery, books, clocks, retro and vintage design/clothing and decorative items.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Beccles Antiques Street Market returns to Beccles for eighth year. Photo by Charlotte James Photography & Events.Beccles Antiques Street Market returns to Beccles for eighth year. Photo by Charlotte James Photography & Events. (Image: Charlotte James Photography & Events)

However, one of the most popular parts of the day was the market’s own Bargain Hunt.

Two teams went head to head to purchase items which will be auctioned off by Durrants at the end of May.

All profits received from the auction will be donated towards the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

The organisers will now also be looking to make a donation to the Help for Heroes fund.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Beccles Antiques Street Market returns to Beccles for eighth year. Photo by Charlotte James Photography & Events.Beccles Antiques Street Market returns to Beccles for eighth year. Photo by Charlotte James Photography & Events. (Image: Charlotte James Photography & Events)

One lucky shopper was able to spend £100 after liking the Beccles Antiques Street Market Facebook page.

On the day many of the local shops, restaurants and bars were open, with people selling artisan street food, ice cream and stalls selling hot drinks.

Due to its popularity and following requests from the traders, a second market date was first added to the calendar in 2011.

The second market this year is to take place on August 13 between 8am and 4pm.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Beccles Antiques Street Market returns to Beccles for eighth year. Photo by Charlotte James Photography & Events.Beccles Antiques Street Market returns to Beccles for eighth year. Photo by Charlotte James Photography & Events. (Image: Charlotte James Photography & Events)

Do you have any Beccles stories? Email kieran.lynch@archant.co.uk

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Beccles Antiques Street Market returns to Beccles for eighth year. Photo by Charlotte James Photography & Events.Beccles Antiques Street Market returns to Beccles for eighth year. Photo by Charlotte James Photography & Events. (Image: Charlotte James Photography & Events)