Bristol’s award-winning farmers’ market today celebrates its 15th anniversary – for the second time in just over a week.
The double celebration ensures visitors and shoppers have plenty of opportunity to join the weekly and fortnightly traders in the anniversary celebrations.
As part of the celebrations the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Faruk Choudhury, will be visiting the market and cutting one of the special anniversary cakes at noon today.
Over the past 15 years, the market has sold the best local, regional and seasonal produce – thanks to the hard work and dedication of farmers and producers from across the region and the city council’s own St Nicholas Markets team.
Bristol’s Farmers’ market was launched on Wednesday, June 17, 1998 in Corn Street when more than 20 local farmers and producers braved the wet conditions and set up stalls for the first time. Originally fortnightly, it later became the UK’s first weekly farmers’ market. It is renowned for its high-quality seasonal food with virtually everything on sale at the farmers’ market being sourced, reared, grown and produced from within a 40-mile radius of Bristol.
Five of the original traders at the very first farmers’ market are still trading today – Moorland Farm, Elm Tree Farm, Druid Farm, Pullins Bakery, and Besley Fruits.
Liz Scott of Moorland Farm and one of the original market traders, said: “I have seen the market go from strength to strength and met some lovely shoppers who have supported the market over the years. Our 15th year demonstrates the growing importance of sustainable, fresh, seasonal food and produce to local people. On behalf of all the traders, I’d like to say a bid ‘thank you’ to Bristol.”
Councillor Gus Hoyt, assistant mayor with a responsibility for the environment, said: “St Nicks’ farmers’ market has gone from strength to strength over the last few years. Despite a challenging economic climate, the market is living proof that Bristolians really do love to buy local.”
Markets manager Steve Morris added: “I’m extremely proud to be celebrating 15 years of first-class service to local people. The market’s success is due to the commitment and dedication of traders and producers – and to the thousands of shoppers who have come week after week to support the market. The market is a testament to Bristol’s green credentials and underpins the city’s drive to promote good quality, locally grown and sourced food available for everyone.
“The farmers’ market in Corn Street has also proved to be a real boost to the local economy, not only does it trade in Bristol Pounds, but it also helps to provide a sustainable income to traders and helps to strengthen the links between the city and rural areas in the region. I’d like to wish all the traders and producers every success for the future.”
