A new take on a Christmas market will pop up at Rheged, near Penrith, for one day only this weekend.
The Forty Farms Fair tomorrow, November 19, will be held between 10am and 3pm and will see farmers, fellow food, textile and craft producers come together to sell their wares.
This free event will also include talks in the lecture theatre, demos throughout the day and a chance for visitors to view the Forty Farms exhibition by British Life photographer of the year, Amy Bateman.
This one-off free event has been organised by the teams behind Lovingly Artisan Bakery, Kendal Farmers Market and Rheged and will give visitors the opportunity to browse over 30 stands selling food, drink, as well as gifts crafted on Cumbrian farms.
There will be a chance to meet some of the farmers who are featured in the associated exhibition, including Jane Emmerson from Deer & Dexter, Martin Gott from St James Cheese and Susan Aglionby from Susan’s Farm, among others.
A whole host of other local producers will be on hand too, such as the Legendary Sauce Co, Thornby Moor Dairy, Pennington’s Spirits, Temperley Chocolates, and Humble Bumble to name a few.
Not to be outdone local crafters will be on hand too, including several who feature in Forty Farms including Maria Benjamin of Dodgson Wood, who will be showcasing a range of new products including her handmade soaps, Jo Clayton of Great Lindeth Wood, with her hand carved furniture and gifts and Claire Beaumont from Gowbarrow Hall with a selection of her bespoke leather bag as well as lots of other stallholders showcasing a whole array of gifts.
There will also be a number of free talks throughout the day demonstrating the links between food and farming, as well as helping to break down the barriers of buying local and even saving some pennies along the way.
Catherine Connor, chair of Kendal Farmers Market, said: ”Kendal Farmers is thrilled to be showcasing the best of Kendal Farmers at one of the region’s most inspirational locations, which is synonymous with supporting those that work field to fork and raising awareness of the farming industry in Cumbria.”
Claire Logan-Stephens, head of programming at Rheged, added: “We are delighted to be able to host this new take on a Christmas Market. It will provide an opportunity for visitors to meet many of the farmers featured in the Forty Farms Exhibition, learn more about buying locally and inspire a slow approach to Christmas which is good for your health and the countryside.”
