» Frome Independent Returns

THE FROME INDEPENDENT RETURNS

Reclaim The High Street on Sunday, March 6th

On the first Sunday in March, Frome town centre will come alive with artists, designers, craftspeople, vintage traders and food producers for the first edition of the Frome

Independent in 2022. Head into town between 10am and 3pm, where you can stock up on incredible local produce and sample mouthwatering street food.

While away the hours browsing gifts, homewares, original art and design - all available to buy directly from makers and small independent businesses.

FOOD and DRINK The Frome Independent’s award-winning food sections are well worth ditching the supermarket for. You’ll find local producers offering cakes, pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, pickles and more. Somerset Farmers’ Market will be back at the Boyle Cross, bringing the finest selection of local produce to help you to keep your food carbon footprint as low as possible. For those going in search of lunch, head for the Street Food in Scott Road where you’ll find cuisines from near and far: New York to Tibet, Sicily to Somerset – everything from delectable Dim Sum, to handmade sausage rolls. Feeling thirsty? Dotted throughout the market you’ll be sure to find something to wet your whistle from cocktails made from foraged fruit and botanicals, award-winning Somerset cider, hand-pressed lemonade or a delicious cup of coffee or tea. Don’t forget your reusable cup! MAKERS All along Market Place to the Bridge you’ll discover a vast array of hand-picked designer makers. TFI doesn’t believe in throwaway fashion and passing trends, instead selecting designers and makers who create high quality, unique products that are made to last. Ditch the mass-produced and discover makers who are all about materials and process. Catherine Hill, home of the bustling Suitcase Sale is a feast for the eyes in the form of fledgling and established artists, designers, craftspeople and more, nestled amongst the vibrant independent shops and cafés.

HOME, GARDEN and FLEA The small but perfectly formed Home and Garden section on the riverside is a diverse mix of flower growers, plants people, furniture makers and metal workers. You can source everything you might want or need to kit out your home and garden, including restored furniture and sustainable homewares.

If you like to while away the hours rummaging for vintage treasures, or embrace slow fashion with preloved clothing, look no further than the colourful Flea section, with more than forty stalls of goodies: antique furniture, mid-century homewares, vintage clothing and accessories, taxidermy, industrial lighting, textiles and more.

MUSIC and MORE Live music from the Market Place Stage will bring a festival atmosphere to your Sunday - a space to relax and watch the world go by - it’s the beating heart of the market! Down at the Village Green (next to the Library) you’ll find the mighty Vintage Mobile Disco, with a stellar line-up of local DJs playing vintage vinyl. All sorts of different community events happen here: in March, the Frome Independent is working with Frome Kindness Festival, celebrating the festival finale with lots of opportunities to join in. There’ll be a craft area where visitors of all ages can make kindness-themed gifts and badges, or join in with Cheryl Sprinkler of Mojo Moves in a kindness-themed workout on the Village Green!

CHARITY PARTNERS At each market, the Frome Independent works with local charities like Fair Frome, Dorothy House, WHY and Frome’s Big Christmas Get Together to raise awareness and money for local causes. The organisation is run by a small team of three local residents who are supported by a dedicated team of local event staff on market days. It is a not-forprofit social enterprise that doesn’t receive ongoing subsidies from local councils or outside corporate sponsorship, but it helps generate an estimated £2.5 million in revenue for its traders and Frome’s independent retailers and hospitality businesses.

GETTING THERE If you’re visiting from out of town, check out the VISIT page on thefromeindependent.org.uk which contains all the information that you’ll need for getting to the market. The convenient Park & Ride service will be back, so if you’re bringing your car, please use the Park & Ride rather than parking in residential streets, as this causes obstructions for residents.

MORE INFO For more information about upcoming events, or to join the mailing list, check out: thefromeindependent.org.uk

@thefromeindependent The Frome Independent @morethanamarket

©Alice Whitby

©Alice Whitby