Farmers' Markets are held at the Top of Town in Basingstoke. It is here that local people have the opportunity to buy locally produced goods, direct from the farmers, growers, or producers. The thousands of visitors confirm that these markets, are welcomed by the community, and their overwhelming success has ensured support from the farmers and growers.
The selection of produce available at a Farmers' Market will clearly vary with location and season. However, you are likely to find a delicious selection of vegetables, fruit, fresh meats, eggs, cakes, jams, fruit juices, and dairy produce. Farmers' Markets place emphasis on added value, quality and freshness, while the upbeat and fun atmosphere makes shopping a more sociable and enjoyable experience.
Farmers' Markets support local business and enterprise, in particular the farming community. Town centre retailers also welcome the direct opportunity that is provided by an increased number of visitors (both new and existing) to Basingstoke. Many bars, cafes, shops and restaurants at the Top of Town, as well as other stores throughout the town centre, are also open for business.
Farmers' Markets bring benefits for the local economy, both rural and urban, and there are also potential environmental benefits. As our market is essentially a local activity, it encourages environmental sustainability, by reducing travelling, pollution, packaging, and waste. The support for organic production is increasing.
The concept of Farmers' Markets is consistent with the Council's Rural Strategy (particularly objective EC2, which gives priority to encouraging the use of local produce through initiatives like Farmers Markets). It is also a great help to local farmers who have suffered considerable economic hardship over the past few years.
Update
Farmers Markets have been held most successfully in Basingstoke since 2000, when three markets were held at the Top of Town, during 2001 and 2002 six markets per year were held; and in 2003/4 in response to demands from both stall-holders and shoppers the frequency of the markets was increased to twelve. In 2005 the number of markets returned to its original of 6 per year.
Basingstoke has swiftly become the second largest market in the county attracting up to 60 stall-holders and in the region of 6000 shoppers to each market firmly establishing Basingstoke as a popular and flourishing venue.
There are six markets scheduled for 2008, each will be held at the Top of Town between 10.00am – 2.00pm; the dates are as follows:
- Sunday 6th January
- Sunday 2nd March
- Sunday 4th May
- Sunday 6th July
- Sunday 7th September
- Sunday 2nd November
The contact at Hampshire Farmers' Markets Ltd (including booking a stall) is:
Alex Handford
Farmers Market Office
Rotherfield Park Estate
East Tisted
Alton
Hants
GU34 3QL
Tel: 01420-588671
Email: info@hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk
Website: http://www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk/
The contact within the council is:
Andrew Dowling
Tel: (01256) 845359
Email: andrew.dowling@basingstoke.gov.uk
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