Harper Adams to host first farmers’ market of the year

Posted 11 January 2013

Harper Adams University will be bursting with stalls selling fresh produce and locally produced goods when it holds its first seasonal farmers’ market of the year.

The university is hoping to attract more than 60 stallholders for its Spring Farmers’ Market.

The event will take place on March 3 from 10am to 2pm inside and outside the campus’ Regional Food Academy.

The Christmas market featured more than 60 stalls and organisers are hoping to attract even more this time with an emphasis on locally produced food and suppliers.

Stallholders confirmed for the Spring market include Really Porky Pies, Jammy Cow, Jumokeh, The Kitchens Fine Food Co, Madiapple Cakes, Walton Bank Produce, and The Windfall Project.

There will also be stalls selling hand-made crafts, artisan bread, meats, cheeses, oils, ethnic food, vegetarian produce, preserves, cider and wine.

Visitors will also have the chance to see Newport Town Brass Band and tour the campus for free on a tractor. A charity run will also take place on the day.

Natalie Saxton, Technical Assistant at the Regional Food Academy, said: “Our markets are very well received by the local community and the surrounding areas, some people travel for two hours to our markets because of the diverse range of products on offer and the welcoming atmosphere.

“Our Christmas market was so popular that some stalls sold out completely before the end of the event.

“At our Spring market there will also be free tractor rides for families around the campus which is always very popular.

“We aim to hold the event at least four times a year – Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. The markets are now managed and organised by placement students working at the Regional Food Academy to give them the opportunity to learn about event management with the intention that all future markets are managed by students and developed to match other popular farmers’ markets in Shropshire.”

Anyone interested in applying for a stall at the market should contact Natalie on (01952) 815037.