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New Monthly Artisan Market for Frome - seeking stallholders

Catherine Hill will be hosting a local produce and artisan market on the first Sunday of every month, beginning this April.

The area comprising Catherine Hill, Stony Street, and Palmer Street – historically known as St Catherine’s - has been the heart of Frome since the C17th.  Its history as an independent shopping and trading area is long and diverse.  For some time the traders’ association has been working on re-establishing the profile of the area as Frome’s creative and artisan quarter.  St Catherine’s in Frome is already known for its eclectic and unusual mix of designer makers, arts and crafts, clothing, flowers and antiques.
It is clear that more and more visitors are coming to Frome because of the creative offer and an opportunity exists to create an attraction that will draw visitors into the town on Sundays and allow the St Catherine’s businesses to justify Sunday opening.
It was decided to create a market event on the first Sunday of each month to appeal to local residents and visitors, based around the existing attractions.  The theme of the market is designer/maker artists, local food and produce, and retro and collectibles.  A number of traders have already confirmed their attendance including At The Chapel in Bruton who will be bringing artisan bread fresh from their ovens, Ivy House Farm who will be bringing organic milk, cream and Westcombe Cheddar, and Somerset Lavender, who will bring their lavender based products and plants.
Frome and the surrounding area has a wealth of creative talent and the idea of the market is to create an affordable and exciting way for local businesses, artisans and designer/makers to showcase their products.
The first market will be held on 5th April 2009 and then they will be held monthly until October.  There will be an additional market on 29th November 2009 as a pre-Christmas celebration of St Catherine’s Day.  If it proves successful it may be made more regular.
The working party has set up a not-for profit company to run the market.  Initial capital has been  provided in the form of a loan from one of the directors.  This will be required for regulatory expenditure such as insurance as well as more practical elements of the project such as signage and market canopies.  Any money made by the company will be re-invested in other regeneration projects within the St Catherine’s area of Frome.
As a not-for-profit company the cost of the stalls is being kept to a minimum and it is envisaged that this will be around £25.  However, the April market will be free to exhibitors to build some momentum and interest.  Application forms can be downloaded here.
The group is currently looking for exhibitors for the first market on April 5th.  Completed application forms can be sent to Allison Herbert at Forward Space, The Old Church School, Butts Hill, Frome, BA11 1HR or sent by email to allison@forwardspace.co.uk.
Stallholders will be selected on their suitability for the market rather than on a first come first served basis.