In the 18 months since it was initiated, Middleton’s Farmers and Indie Market has grown to be among the biggest in the county.
From about 50 traders on its first day in May last year, the monthly event inside the village’s auction mart now consistently attracts more than 80 vendors selling top quality produce and craft.
At conception it was intended solely as a farmers’ market but expanded in May this year.
Organiser Naomi Katz said: “I got so many crafters interested saying they want to come along, but I didn’t want them in the farmers’ market because it is so popular.
“I thought we have a big space here so I expanded into the other side.
“It is high-end artists and artisans in the Indie market and the farmers’ market is full of local produce.
“We have two butchers, two bread bakers, beer, cider, honey, two cheesemakers, flowers, veg – all the fruit and veg is locally grown, you won’t get bananas, you will get seasonal produce – jams, dog treats and a fishmonger.”
The fishmonger travels all the way from Eyemouth in the Scottish borders to attend.
Mike Hall, of Ivy Cottage Bakery based in Brough started selling soon after it was started last year. He said: “It is a great market. We usually sell out – I am disappointed if we don’t.”
It also attracts a constant stream of shoppers.
Ms Katz said: “It is so hard to count because we have three entrances but there are hundreds and because it is a four-hour event, it spreads out.
“A couple come from Leeds just for this, they come from Newcastle, Hartlepool and Cumbria.
“I am really thrilled with it. It is always exciting in the build-up, making sure I support the traders that provide me the opportunity to do this thing.”
The market takes place on the last Saturday of the month.
