THIS Sunday, 6th March, Frome town centre will come alive with artists, designers, craftspeople, vintage traders and food producers for the first edition of The Frome Independent in 2022.
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 & DRINK
The Frome Independent’s award-winning food sections are well-worth ditching the supermarket for. 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. 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 & FLEA
The small but perfectly formed Home & 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 forty stalls of goodies: antique furniture, mid-century home wares, vintage clothing and accessories, taxidermy, industrial lighting, textiles and more.
MUSIC & 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!
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!
COMING UP IN 2022…
Keep an eye out for more exciting events at The Frome Independent – this year they’ll also be hosting Art Club for all with acclaimed Frome-based artist Sue Palmer and award winning illustrator, writer and filmmaker Joff Winterhart; celebrating cycling with Frome’s Missing Links and a Bike Jumble; getting ready for festival season with a Market Place Stage takeover from Bruton’s Farmfest; embracing second hand in September with a styling session in the Flea, and toasting all things food in October with a Autumnal hop from female Morris Dancing side Boss Morris.
MARKET MAKERS
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, ongoing exclusive discounts from all the traders and a selection of Frome shops! Find out more: thefromeindependent.org.uk/rewards
Dates in 2022
Sundays 6th March; 3rd April; 1st May; 5th June; 3rd July; 7th August; 4th September; 2nd October; 6th November; 4th December.
