According to the Daily Telegraph there are around 1,000 farmers' markets in the UK.
It's no surprise to anyone who's been that Stroud Farmers' Market has made the Telegraph's list of best farmers' markets; it's won multiple awards, including Best Farmers' Market in the UK twice by FARMA.
The article says:
"This weekly Saturday market is famed for its lively atmosphere – you’re likely to encounter as much live music as local asparagus. But the produce is top notch, too. Local fruit and veg, much of which is organic, is the name of the game here, including some of the finest local strawberries when in season. Locals cite Pippin’s Doughnuts as some of the best in the country, and the perfect fuel for a morning scouring the market."
Farmers' markets are increasing in popularity with more people discovering the joy of spending a Saturday morning browsing locally grown ingredients and locally made products - and being able to speak directly to the people who have grown or made what they're selling.
And of course most farmers' markets, including Stroud's, are held outdoors - a welcome and healthy alternative to supermarkets.
Of course we're biased - we have a monthly stall at Stroud Farmers' Market on the fourth Saturday of each month where we sell handmade, palm oil free soaps, aromatherapy bath soaks & scented soy wax candles.
Our next stall will be on 22 May - we'd love to see you there.