The Frome Independent market is to delay the start of the season in order to ensure it has fully addressed the traffic and congestion issues experienced at the end of last year, which were a result of the market’s popularity and growing visitor figures.
Although people will be disappointed about the late arrival of the market, traders on Catherine Hill are using the gap in the calendar to throw a traditional street party for the people of Frome on Sunday 6th March.
The Frome Independent has gone from strength to strength over the past few years and in the latter half of its 2015 season, it experienced visitor figures of up to 15,000 people per market.
It is estimated that the market is bringing in the region of £2million of revenue into Frome each year, which is a marker of success and cause for celebration.
However, the volume of visitors has created new challenges for the market’s logistics and the town’s infrastructure. In order to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the event, the market’s management team is consulting and planning with all three tiers of local government, transport agencies and the emergency services.
Tabitha Clayson from the Frome Independent said, “Our primary desire is that the market has a positive impact on Frome overall. Following advice from our experienced event management team and health and safety consultants, as well as responding to concerns raised by residents and visitors last year, we have been working with the various authorities over the last couple of months to make sure that the event’s infrastructure, logistics and management is robust for the forthcoming 2016 season and to ensure the continued success of the market.
“We have made progress, including securing improvements in train services to Frome on Sundays in future, but it has become clear that certain elements need more time and, coupled with the current extensive road works in Frome, it means that we have decided to delay the start to 2016’s markets.
“We are working hard towards an April start and look forward to welcoming everyone back soon.”
Visit Catherine Hill on Sunday 6th March for good food, live music and other fun festivities. The event will also see the opening of Frome’s latest new independent shop, Covers Vinyl Record Store on Catherine Hill.
Also, just in time for the return of the Independent Market, Frome Town Council has announced from 27th March, there will be additional trains to and from Frome on Sundays.
This includes a train from Bristol, Bath and Wiltshire arriving in Frome at 10.31, with return services running at 15.37 and 17.31, as well as the two additional evening services.
For all the latest market news keep an eye on the website www.thefromeindependent.org.uk and follow The Frome Independent on Facebook or Twitter.
