Farmers’ Markets are set to return to Carlisle – the markets will be held in Brampton Town Centre on Saturday 27 June and Carlisle City Centre on Saturday 4 July. This follows the lifting of restrictions by the government which allow outdoor markets to re-open.
All of your favourite stall holders will be back selling a wide range of locally produced goods. There will be changes to how the market operates to keep shoppers and traders safe. These include a one-way system around the perimeter of the markets and increased space between stalls to allow social distancing to be maintained.
Hand sanitisers will be available for customers in addition to the new hand sanitiser stations installed in Brampton Town Centre and Carlisle city centre by Carlisle City Council. Customers will be encouraged to make cashless payments. Customers will also have the option to pre order their goods by contacting suppliers prior to the event.
Cllr Stephen Higgs, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Leisure said: “The reopening of our high street is going ahead successfully, and we are delighted to welcome local producers to trade at farmers’ markets in Brampton and Carlisle. The markets provide a valuable outlet for producers and give residents and visitors an opportunity to buy locally made goods of the highest quality.”
Emma Heseltine Armstrong, Carlisle Farmers’ Market said: “Lockdown has presented some big challenges to the dedicated small businesses that produce the wonderful local food which we see at the market every month. During this time many have adapted and made deliveries in the local area to supply those who couldn’t get out to the supermarkets, and the public have been generous in their support. Now with the restrictions easing we have been working hard to find ways to welcome our loyal customers back to the marketplace. We have implemented systems to help keep everyone safe, both stallholders and customers, and are looking forward to getting back to the centre of the city and some level of normality.”
Andrew Tomkins, Hallsford Farm Produce added: “We are delighted that the Farmers’ Markets will be reopening again shortly. During the crisis we have had tremendous support from the local community. We reinvented the business over a 2-week period moving to an online order and delivery system. The crisis highlighted the value of local delivery networks and its was so satisfying to see people discovering that ‘local’ also means quality and value for money. We look forward to meeting old faces and new converts.”
Tim Coombe, Sustainable Brampton said: “The Farmers’ Market is delighted to be back in Carlisle and Brampton with our producers selling delicious Cumbrian food to local people, thereby strengthening food security in the area over this extraordinary time of economic uncertainty. What’s not to enjoy about that!”
Th Brampton Farmers’ Market will be open from 9am and1.30pm and the Carlisle Farmers’ Market will be open between 9.30am and 4pm.
For more information about the Carlisle city centre reopening, visit www.carlisle.gov.uk/citycentre