FROME Independent Market came back with a bang this month, with crowds of around 5,000 people turning out for the first one of the year on Sunday 1st March.
Market organisers are in high spirits after such a promising start and are looking forward to another successful year as ‘more than a market’ in the town.
A member of the Frome Independent team, Tabitha Clayson said, “The first market of the year exceeded all our expectations! We were incredibly lucky to have predominantly blue skies and a spring breeze throughout market hours.
“Crowds flocked to town on foot and by bus to welcome in the spring with shopping and socialising. Traders and shopkeepers have reported a great day’s trading; Ellenbray toy shop compared it to a Christmas Saturday! The majority of hot food and food traders were sold out by 1.30pm.
“About 5,000 visitors enjoyed the atmosphere, helped along by the excellent performers on the Market Stage and our resident vintage mobile disco.
“We also had a record 76 families visit the family activities at Doodlebug Club, where they made spring daffodils.
“Since a slow start when we took over the market in 2013, we have acquired a fantastic stewarding team and team of on-the-day staff, from medics and event mangers to our market makers themselves. Our online presence has gone from strength to strength too; the market now has almost 6,000 followers on social media.
“We have seen the amount and quality of applications almost triple and competition for pitches is fierce, especially in our street food and artisan food areas. We now have around 235 traders at each market, almost two-thirds of whom come from Frome and surrounding villages and almost all from within a 30-mile radius.
“Visitors are like bees to the honey pot – the increased quality of traders and added atmosphere has seen our visitor numbers steadily increase so that a regular market sees about 5,000 visitors, swelling to about 7,000 for themed markets and more than doubling for December’s market.
“We have added music, art, and special events as part of our vision to be ‘more than a market’ and to create a great day out for all the family. We love to welcome new visitors just as much as we strive to keep our loyal Frome visitors returning each month to discover something new. This year we’re kicking off the special markets with a Sports Day on Easter Sunday. Many of Frome’s sports clubs and associations will be exhibiting everything from fly fishing to football, archery to athletics and offering the chance for people to try their hand at chess or Aveling Adventures’s climbing wall.
“It will be a chance for people to get the lowdown on a sport or activity, watch a demo or give it a go. Our programme of events will be released in the next few weeks, so prepare for things to get physical!
“We have been very touched by the number of people seeking out the Frome Independent stall and information point, and writing in to congratulate us and Frome for creating such a great event. Many are wishing that their own town had something like it! We’re very much aware that we’re the sum of many parts, so we wish to say a massive thank you to everyone on our team; our market makers, stewards, our generous partners, our fabulous traders, performers and visitors, but also to the town’s independent businesses, and most importantly to Frome’s welcoming community.
“We look forward to seeing you all again on Sunday April 5th for Sports Day!”
The Frome Independent Market runs from 10am – 3pm on the first Sunday of every month in the town centre. The next will be on Easter Sunday 5th April.
There are a huge variety of stalls from local merchants including suitcase sales, food stands, designer-makers, and a flea market. To find out more visit www.thefromeindependent.org.uk.
