The Frome Independent returns
It’s almost here!
On Sunday 6th March, Frome town centre will once again come alive with artists, designers, craftspeople, vintage traders and food producers for the first edition of The Frome Independent in 2022.
Head into town between 10am and 3pm, where you can stock up on incredible local produce and sample mouthwatering street food. While away the hours browsing gifts, homewares, original art and design – all available to buy directly from makers and small independent businesses.
If you’re not able to make it in person, check out our new and improved online Market Directory where you can find links to all the traders who are with us in March.
If you’re a regular visitor, you’ll know just what to expect, but if you’re new to TFI, then read on for what’s in store…
FOOD & DRINK
Our award-winning food sections are well-worth ditching the supermarket for! You’ll find local producers offering cakes, pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, pickles and more. Somerset Farmers’ Market will be back at the Boyle Cross, bringing the finest selection of local produce to help you to keep your food carbon footprint as low as possible.
For those going in search of lunch, head for the Street Food in Scott Road where you’ll find cuisines from near and far: New York to Tibet, Sicily to Somerset – everything from delectable Dim Sum, to handmade sausage rolls.
Feeling thirsty? Dotted throughout the market you’ll be sure to find something to wet your whistle from cocktails made from foraged fruit and botanicals, award winning Somerset cider, hand pressed lemonade or a delicious cup of coffee or tea – don’t forget your reusable cup!
MAKERS
All along Market Place to The Bridge you’ll discover a vast array of hand-picked Designer Makers. We don’t believe in throwaway fashion and passing trends, instead selecting designers and makers who create high quality, unique products that are made to last. Ditch the mass-produced and discover makers who are all about materials and process.
Catherine Hill, home of the bustling Suitcase Sale is a feast for the eyes in the form of fledgling and established artists, designers, craftspeople and more, nestled amongst the vibrant independent shops and cafes.
HOME GARDEN & FLEA
The small but perfectly formed Home & Garden section on the riverside is a diverse mix of flower growers, plants people, furniture makers and metal workers. Everything you might want or need to kit out your home and garden including restored furniture and sustainable homewares can be found here!
If you like to while away the hours rummaging for vintage treasures, or embrace slow fashion with pre-loved clothing, look no further than the colourful Flea section, with more than forty stalls of goodies: antique furniture, mid-century home wares, vintage clothing and accessories, taxidermy, industrial lighting, textiles and more.
MUSIC & MORE
Live music from the Market Place Stage will bring all the festival feels to your Sunday – a space to relax and watch the world go by – it’s the beating heart of the market!
Down at the Village Green (next to Frome Library) you’ll find the mighty Vintage Mobile Disco, with a stellar line-up of local DJs playing vintage vinyl. The Village Green is where you’ll encounter all sorts of different community events – in March we are working with Frome Kindness Festival, celebrating the festival finale with lots of opportunities to join in. There’ll be a craft section where visitors of all ages can make kindness-themed gifts and badges, and be sure to keep an eye out for the Kindness Crew who will be roaming through the market to spread a little extra joy!
CHARITY PARTNERS
Frome is twinned with three other historic European gems – Château-Gontier in France, Murrhardt in Germany and Rabka-Zdrój in Poland. About 150 miles from the Ukrainian border, Rabka are opening their arms to Ukrainian refugees but they need help. Frome, together with Château-Gontier and Murrhardt are launching appeals for financial donations to help Rabka accommodate, clothe and feed refugees as they arrive.
We are supporting Frome Town Council with their appeal for financial donations; visitors to The Frome Independent on Sunday 6th March will be able to donate to one of the many Frome Town Councillors roaming the market with collection buckets – please give generously.
To find out more including how to donate directly, please visit:
www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/fromes-twin-town-ukrainian-appeal/
MARKET MAKERS – support The Frome Independent!
To fund the free market day activities including live music, children’s activities, workshops and street performance, we rely on money raised through our Market Maker scheme – it’s only £20 per person to join for a year and you’ll get a free gift, ongoing exclusive discounts from all the traders and a selection of Frome shops!
GETTING HERE:
If you’re coming from out of town, please check out the VISIT page on our website for all the information that you’ll need for getting to the market.
The super convenient Park & Ride service will be back, so if you’re bringing your car, please use the Park & Ride rather than parking in residential streets, as this causes obstructions for residents.
See you on Sunday 6th March, 10am – 3pm, in Frome!
