ON the first Sunday in March, Frome town centre will come alive with artists, designers, craftspeople, vintage traders and food producers for the first edition of The Frome Independent (TFI) of 2023.
Head into town between 10am and 3pm, where you can stock up on incredible local produce and sample mouth-watering street food. While away the hours browsing gifts, homewares, original art and design, all available to buy directly from makers and small independent businesses.
If you’re a regular visitor, you’ll know just what to expect, but if you’re new to TFI, then read on for what’s in store…
Food and Drink
“The Frome Independent’s award-winning food sections are well-worth ditching the supermarket for,” says the organisers. You’ll find local producers offering cakes, pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, pickles and more. Somerset Farmers’ Market will be back at the Boyle Cross, bringing the finest selection of local produce to help you to keep your food carbon footprint as low as possible.
For those going in search of lunch, head for the street food in Scott Road where you’ll find cuisines from near and far: New York to Tibet, Sicily to Somerset – everything from delectable Dim Sum, to handmade sausage rolls.
Feeling thirsty? Dotted throughout the market you’ll be sure to find something to wet your whistle from cocktails made from foraged fruit and botanicals, award winning Somerset cider, hand pressed lemonade or a delicious cup of coffee or tea, don’t forget your reusable cup!”
Makers
All along Market Place to The Bridge, you’ll discover a vast array of hand-picked designer makers.
“TFI doesn’t believe in throwaway fashion and passing trends, instead selecting designers and makers who create high quality, unique products that are made to last,” says the organisers.
“Ditch the mass-produced and discover makers who are all about materials and process. Catherine Hill, home of the bustling Suitcase Sale is a feast for the eyes in the form of fledgling and established artists, designers, craftspeople and more, nestled amongst the vibrant independent shops and cafes.”
Home, Garden and Flea
The small but perfectly formed Homes and Garden section on the riverside is a diverse mix of flower growers, plants people, furniture makers and metal workers. You can source everything you might want or need to kit out your home and garden including restored furniture and sustainable homewares.
If you like to while away the hours rummaging for vintage treasures, or embrace slow fashion with pre-loved clothing, look no further than the colourful flea section, with more than 40 stalls of goodies: antique furniture, mid-century home wares, vintage clothing and accessories, taxidermy, industrial lighting, textiles and more.
Music and More
Live music from the Market Place Stage will bring all the festival feels to your Sunday – a space to relax and watch the world go by; “It’s the beating heart of the market!” say the organisers.
“On 5th March The Kindness Festival will take over the stage with a special programme by Night River, who put on some of the best folk, indie and songwriter shows in Frome. This specially curated stage will feature artists whose music reflects themes of kindness, searching for joy and finding the beauty in life.
“Down at the Village Green (next to the Library) you’ll find the mighty Vintage Mobile Disco, with a stellar line-up of local DJs playing vintage vinyl.
“All sorts of different community events happen here – in March The Frome Independent are working with Frome Kindness Festival, celebrating the festival finale with lots of opportunities to join in. There’ll be a craft area where visitors of all ages can make kindness-themed gifts and badges, or join in with Cheryl Sprinkler of Mojo Moves in a Kindness-themed flash mob on the village green!”
Market Makers – Support The Frome Independent!
To fund the free-market day activities including live music, children’s activities, workshops and street performance, The Frome Independent relies on money raised through its Market Maker scheme, it’s only £20 per person to join for a year and you’ll get a free gift from The Frome Independent, ongoing exclusive discounts from all the traders and a selection of Frome shops! Find out more: thefromeindependent.org.uk/rewards.
Getting there
If you’re coming from out of town, check out the visit page on thefromeindependent.org.uk/visit for all the information that you’ll need for getting to the market.
“The super convenient Park & Ride service will be back,” says the organisers, “so if you’re bringing your car, please use the Park & Ride rather than parking in residential streets, as this causes obstructions for residents.
“See you on Sunday 5th March, 10am to 3pm, in Frome!”
Market Dates in 2023: Sundays 5th March, 2nd April, 7th May, 4th June, 2nd July, 6th August, 3rd September, 1st October, 5th November, 3rd December.
For more information, please contact: admin@thefromeindependent.org.uk
