Market manager Kardien Gerbrands talks about Swindon farmers' markets

FIRSTLY a thousand apologies for having to cancel last week’s market; it was too dangerous.

The winds on Sunday morning were over 50 mph which is too risky for markets; indeed two stalls erected as a test were blown over despite lots of extra ballast. Let’s pray the next few Sundays will be wind (and rain) free.

We have a bumper farmers’ market at the outlet this Sunday with more than 20 stalls. Alongside that we have the final of our busking competition.

The top three acts, as voted for by the stallholders, are Splat the Rat, a Swindon-based folk combo; Splinters Ukelele Band and the Swindon Samba band.

At this week’s market, Splat the Rat and Splinters will both be doing a set and we need your votes too alongside those of the stallholders. The Samba band will play their final set on December 6.

At the market we have a guest stall appearance from the Ruby Fat Cow Fund, who will be selling cakes, and a special treat for all as The Garlic Farm take a pitch too.

The range of produce on a Sunday is fabulous at the moment, with fresh fish, ‘free from’ cakes and puddings, Stainswick Farm rapeseed oils and dressings and locally made chocolate products all available alongside our regulars.

The market runs every Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Markets

  • Bradford on Avon, third Thursday, 9am to 1pm at Westbury Gardens, BA15 1DE.
  •  Bradford on Avon, last Sunday, 10.30am to 2.30pm at Lamb Yard, BA15 1FG.
  •  Calne, second Saturday, 9am to 1pm, near the library, SN11 0JU.
  •  Corsham, third Saturday, 9am to 1pm, High Street SN13 0HB.
  •  Devizes, first Saturday, 9am to 1pm, Market Place l Malmesbury, second and fourth Saturdays, 9am to 1pm, Market Cross 
  •  Royal Wootton Bassett, fourth Saturday, 9am to 1pm, High Street.
  •  Salisbury, weekly on Wednesdays, 9am to 2pm, Poultry Cross.
  •  Swindon Farmers’ Market, every Sunday, 10am to 4pm, Swindon Designer Outlet, Kemble Drive, SN2 2DY.
  •  Havelock Square Farmers’ Market, Swindon, every Thursday, 9am to 2.30pm.
  •  Trowbridge, second and fourth Friday, 9am to 1pm, Fore Street, BA14 8HX.
  •  Wanborough, third Saturday, 9am to midday, Wanborough Village Hall.
  •  Warminster, first and third Fridays, 9am to 1pm, central car park, BA 12 9BT