Town farmers market to be exchanged

Wetherby is set to get a new artisan market from next month to replace its Farmers Market.
Artisan market stall holder Charlotte Wood of Priory Potato Vodka. Picture Gerard BinksArtisan market stall holder Charlotte Wood of Priory Potato Vodka. Picture Gerard Binks
Artisan market stall holder Charlotte Wood of Priory Potato Vodka. Picture Gerard Binks

The Little Bird Artisan marketplace will see 35 traders selling handmade goods from stalls around the town hall, along with entertainment, on the second Sunday of the month.

Coun Neil O’Byrne, Mayor of Wetherby said: “This type of event is exactly what the town needs as we welcome back shoppers and is the ideal platform to kickstart our ambition to bring vibrant activity in Wetherby as we ease out of the pandemic.

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“High streets need people to return to them, especially after the pandemic, when people are still wary – so we need to give them a good reason to come out.

Nicky Jaques of Sawley Kitchen on her Artisan Market stall. Picture Gerard BinksNicky Jaques of Sawley Kitchen on her Artisan Market stall. Picture Gerard Binks
Nicky Jaques of Sawley Kitchen on her Artisan Market stall. Picture Gerard Binks

“Not only will there be a vibrant market, but it’s also a great opportunity to go into the businesses on a Sunday and visit our great town.”

The event has been curated by Jackie Crozier Owner and Director of Little Bird Made who aims to bring artisan makers and producers to local communities.

Jackie, who has had a very success career in large scale events including the Festival Director for Manchester Pride and worked on the London 2012 Olympics, successfully launched Little Bird Artisan Market in her hometown of Ripon in 2018.

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She now has artisan markets in Boroughbridge, Easingwold, Pateley Bridge and Harrogate.

No stranger to Wetherby, Jackie organised a Little Bird Artisan Market in Wetherby as part of Wetherby UCI World Road Cycling in 2019.

She said: “I am delighted to be working with Wetherby Town Council, and really looking forward to welcoming an exciting range of different local stallholders, who’ll be showcasing their fantastic produce: food and drink, arts and crafts, and lots, lots more.

“I genuinely believe in shopping small, shopping on local communities and helping small businesses thrive.

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“We all want to start to return to some normality and what better way than outdoor shopping.

“I really hope the community will get behind this and come and meet the makers.”

She added: “We encourage full social distancing for traders and customers, and for the public to wear their face masks.

“We want people to feel comfortable to come to the event each month and for traders to feel safe.”

The Little Bird Artisan market will take place on the second Sunday of the month (excluding November when it is the 21st) starting June 13 around Wetherby Town Hall between 10am and 3pm.