Shoppers who visit Chichester’s festive farmers’ market are being encouraged to meet the people behind the products at a special showcase area at the Market Cross.
Producers will be giving a series of mini talks and demonstrations at a special event at the market being held this Friday, 1 December.
A range of regular stallholders will present talks and demonstrations about their produce as well as the stories behind their stalls.
Visitors will also be able to enter a prize draw to win a scrumptious hamper of farmers’ market goodies. Entry cards will be available at all the stalls and the winner will be announced at the next farmers’ market on Friday 15 December. The hamper will be ready for collection that afternoon.
People will be able to stock up on a wide range of festive essentials including the all-important turkey plus the door wreath, fruit and veg, preserves and meats, mulled apple juice and mince pie cakes!
Mike Noble, from Noble and Stace Chocolatiers told us: “We’re really excited to part of the market on Friday and to have the opportunity to share with our customers a little more about chocolate, where it comes from and how we create ours.”
Colin East, of Mud Pies, says there is bound to be a good atmosphere, adding: “We have plenty of regulars. There’s a good, friendly atmosphere between all the traders, we all know each other — it’s one big happy family.”
And Jon Kaye, from Jake’s Artisan Foods, says there is a good base of regulars. He added: “It may not be the biggest market, but it is very solid and you know what you’re getting. It’s in a lovely location and it has a good vibe.”
Councillor John Connor, cabinet member for the environment at Chichester District Council, says: “This gives people the opportunity to support their local producers and this special Christmas themed event will be a chance to meet the people behind all the wonderful produce, hear their stories and pick up a few cooking tips.
“The produce at our farmers’ market is of a really high quality and is genuinely local, from within a 40-mile radius. By buying from Chichester Farmers’ Market you will be reducing food miles and also boosting independent businesses in the local area. I would urge people to pop along and support this excellent event and make a resolution for 2018 to buy local!”
Meanwhile, the annual Christmas Market will run Saturday 2 – Sunday 10 December in East Street and North Street. A variety of stalls will be selling locally-made Christmas gifts and produce. Children will also be able to see the beautiful animals at the live nativity which will be situated outside Marks & Spencer in East Street.
The market will be open 9am-5.30pm daily and will be open until 8pm on late night shopping Thursdays leading up to Christmas and on Sunday 10am to 4.30pm.
