East Cambridgeshire District Council

Ely's Farmers’ Market is celebrating its tenth birthday on Saturday 10 July with celebrations everyone can enjoy.

Since launching as a monthly event in July 2000 with 21 stalls, the Farmers’ Market has become an integral part of the city.

The Market is now a regular fixture, taking place every second and fourth Saturday, with residents and visitors coming to Ely specifically for the high quality local produce.

In its ten years, the Market has been home to nearly 80 traders at various times with many such as Watergull Orchards and Poppy Lot Dairy using the market as a springboard to commercial success.

To celebrate its birthday, there will be cookery demonstrations, competitions as well as food tasters and even a birthday cake as well as the usual quality and diverse goods on sale.

Cllr Peter Cresswell, Chairman of Community Services Committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “The Ely Farmers Market is one of our great success stories. It started strongly ten years ago and has never looked back. The range and quality of its produce have made it one of the most respected and envied Markets in the region. It was no surprise to me when it was judged in the top ten Farmers Market in the country - it has even been the subject of University research as well as numerous TV documentaries.

"The tenth birthday celebrations are going to be really special - as well as the usual mix of fine food and goods - we are going to have a cookery demonstration from Luke Pearson, Head Chef at Needhams Restaurant in Witchford, a prize draw and of course a cake baked by Tom’s Cakes. We are also planning a few other surprises so we hope to see many as possible in the Market Place on the 10th of July for what is looking like being a great day."

As well as the fortnightly Farmers Markets, Ely also boasts a regular Craft & Collectables Market every Saturday for a great selection of arts, crafts and antiques as well as the traditional General Market every Thursday.

ENDS

Notes for editors

Political contacts: Cllr Peter Cresswell (Con) 01638 661138, Cllr Pauline Wilson (Lib Dem) 01353 740617 and Cllr Derrick Beckett (Ind) 01638 780476.

For further information contact Tony Taylorson in the Communications Team on 01223 699285.