FROME Independent Market returns this weekend on Sunday 1st March.
Ahead of its return, director of the market, Tabitha Clayson, shares some insight into the popular market and explains what visitors can look forward to this year.
Tell us about the history of the market – how did it start and what is it today?
“The market started life as St Catherine’s artisan market back in 2009. In 2012 a series of pilot markets, known as “Frome Super Market”, were run by the St Catherine’s artisan team in conjunction with the local councils. Our team was appointed in 2013 and we rebranded the event to The Frome Independent in 2014. The event now attracts around 80,000 visits over the year.”
How do you decide who trades at the market? Where do the traders come from?
“We welcome a mix of makers, food producers and flea traders from Frome, the surrounding area and some coming from further afield within the South West. We prioritise those traders that make their own goods and source local, seasonal, sustainable and ethical materials and ingredients.”
How does the market make money? Are the local councils involved?
“We are a not-for-profit social enterprise, and pitch fees are our main source of income. We don’t receive any funding or subsidies from the local councils, but we do work closely with Frome Town Council and Mendip District Council (to whom we pay an annual licence fee of around £10,000) as well as Somerset County Council’s highways department and the emergency services.”
What impact has The Frome Independent had on the local economy?
“One of our Frome traders, Lee Shale, described the market as “localism at its most creative”, which is really rewarding feedback to receive! A survey from 2017 estimated that the market brought £2,500,000 into Frome town centre each year, and we’re currently collecting responses from a new survey.”
How many people work for you – what does it take to pull off the market every month?
“The entire event is run and managed by local people. Our core team consists of three part-time staff but on market days, we have a team of 20 covering event management, stewarding and set-up. Frome has some amazing local companies whose expertise we are able to call upon for everything from street cleaning to park & ride buses.”
Tell us something people might not know about The Frome Independent?
“Our work with local charities is by far one of our proudest achievements. Each month we work with a different local organisation to raise money and awareness for their cause. Visitors to the market are always so generous – last December Fair Frome raised over £1,800 on market day in just a few hours.”
What’s happening this year?
“We’re looking forward to another great year with a Garden Day special in May and Frome-On-Sea, our annual pop-up beach in August and there will be a skittles Guinness World Record challenge, raising money for WHY, in June. Behind the scenes, we are working on plans to try and better manage the additional traffic on market days.”
The first market will be on Sunday 1st March from 10am – 3pm with lots of talented traders and food producers and Fair Housing for Frome who will be raising awareness about their upcoming Tiny Homes initiative. More information can be found on their website: www.thefromeindependent .org.uk
