5th March, 2007

Farmers’ Market arrives in Preston

April event to feature Thwaites Shire Horses, Beer Tasting, Cooking Demos and Street Performers!

A MARKET full of high quality local produce, beer and food tastings plus street performers will be on show for Preston’s first ever Farmers Market in April.

Preston Chamber of Trade has announced the arrival of Preston Farmers’ Market today with the inaugural event being held on Sunday 29th April 2007 at the Small Outdoor Covered Market, behind the old post office, with future events confirmed on Sunday 20th May and Sunday 24th June.

Farmers’ Market have proved a hit across the North West over the past five years and Preston’s will be no different, as it attracts a diverse range of local food and drink producers to its iconic markets alongside a host of family attractions, including the Thwaites Dray Horses.

Joint Chief Executive of Preston Chamber of Trade, Nicholas Watson, said the event would help make Preston a ‘Go To’ destination. He explained:

“The establishment of Preston Farmers’ Market is a real coup for the city and helps to fulfil our vision of making Preston a ‘Go To’ destination through the creation of events that will increase footfall in the city centre.

“Through the invaluable assistance of NW Fine Foods, we are able to celebrate the rich diversity of local food producers in the immediate area at one of the city’s hidden gems – the covered market.

“The event will offer visitors a chance to sample and purchase high quality local produce, enjoy free food, beer and wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and a range of entertainment including street performers and the Thwaites Shire Horses.

“We anticipate that the event will have a very positive impact on the local economy and complement the existing retail and markets offering in a new and exciting way.”

Sue Nelson, Chief Executive, NW Fine Foods, explained that Preston was ideally placed to capitalise on the many producers in the immediate area:

“Around Preston we have a cluster of excellent fine food producers. Great cheese makers such as Dew-Lay, Mrs. Kirkham’s, Leagram, Butlers and Shorrocks. Superb companies making puddings and ice cream, not to mention local beef, lamb, game and poultry.

“At the moment these Lancashire producers are selling in cities such as Manchester and Liverpool and at food events and farmers’ markets across the region. It’s madness that they don’t sell their wonderful produce in the nearest city to where it’s made or reared.

“I can’t wait for visitors to Preston to taste what is made on their doorstep. We should make a really big song and dance about this, and be very, very proud of what these producers bring to the area.”

Councillor Martyn Rawlinson, Executive Member for Resources, Preston City Council, added that the Farmers’ Market would benefit the existing thriving market scene:

“We are working with the Chamber of Trade to introduce a farmers market in Preston on an initial three month trial basis. We think it will be a popular event with people interested in buying local produce which is good for local farmers and the environment too.  

“Clearly, we already have a thriving indoor market in Preston selling a wide range of quality food items at excellent prices, but we believe there is room in Preston for both markets. Indeed, it would bring more people into the heart of the city so potentially benefit both markets.”

If you would like to secure a stall for the Market, please contact Karen Lamb at North West Fine Foods on

For more information about the event, please call Preston Chamber of Trade on 01772 880840 

ENDS.

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