FROM FIELD TO FORK – SHOPPERS GIVE FARMERS’ MARKET THE GREEN LIGHT - 03/05/2010

Farmers’ markets are part of our agricultural heritage but have really come to prominence in recent years. Customers love the fact that food is seasonal as well as home-grown, locally-reared, produced, caught, pickled, baked and brewed. They also value the notion that produce is sold direct from farmers, growers and producers.

Last year saw the first Farmers’ Market at the Spring Garden & Leisure Show. It proved to be a big hit and as such is back by popular demand for 2010.

Shoppers will be able to fill their baskets and absorb the sights and sounds of the countryside to boot. Where better to sample and savour all that’s best from local producers than here at Ardingly. Fresh and appealing goodies will range from dairy cow, goat and sheep cheeses, chutneys, preserves and vinegars to breads, wines, beers, and meads. Local meats will share the space with fruit and flowers and delicious pies & pasties will mingle with the chilli products for a spicy addition to Sussex.

A Farmers’ Market is so much more than the sum of its parts. It represents a timely return to good old-fashioned values and community involvement in this age of heavily packaged and processed food that is all about speed and sometimes lacks quality. Customers really enjoy the process of shopping and interacting with individual retailers and that is evident in the atmospheric buzz at Farmers’ Markets.

Society Director, Deborah Barber enthuses ‘The Spring Show Farmers’ Market perfectly encapsulates the aims of the Society. It demonstrates farming at the heart of the community, customers can be confident that they are buying the freshest, most local produce possible while supporting their local community and economy, and helping to reducing food-miles’.

On Sunday visitors will be able to ‘shop till they bop’ to the rousing sounds of the Petworth Town Band, which will debut at the Show. This fifty strong band has its roots in the 19th century and comprises an unusual combination of brass and woodwind instruments. These days, following several reincarnations, it is everything a friendly, enthusiastic and entertaining town band ought to be. The aim of the band is to encourage enjoyment in playing music together and to this end, the band welcomes young and old as well as new members of any standard.

The Spring Garden & Leisure Show represents rural life at its best.

Sunday 2 & Monday 3 May
Gates open from 9am to 5pm
Admission prices: adult £7: child £3: senior citizens/students £5: family ticket £17:
Reduced price advanced tickets available on the website – for details: www.springgardenshow.co.uk