Ely Farmers’ Market is 20 years old. Back in 2000, we were part of a growing movement to protect the countryside, support small growers and revitalise town centres. Ely Farmers’ Market gave local farmers, smallholders and producers the opportunity to sell their products direct to their customers.
We’re proud of everyone who has been part of our journey over the last two decades. Lots has changed but our core values of quality, value and sustainability remain as important as ever.
Ely Farmers’ Market takes place twice a month, all year round. Our farmers produce a huge range of locally-grown crops, plants and flowers – from strawberries and tomatoes, to salad vegetables and freshly dug potatoes. Twenty years on we’re lucky enough to have some of our founder traders still with us, plus a constantly evolving selection of guests and newcomers.
Meat and fish have always been an important part of our Farmers’ Market. Customers then and now want locally reared meat with impeccable ethical credentials. Over the years we’ve had ostrich meat, venison, locally-reared pork, Aberdeen Angus beef, Norfolk mussels and so much more.
Ely Farmers’ Market has nurtured many new artisan producers, giving them the confidence to set up their own shops. Cakes, bakes, bread and preserves have always been popular choices and we’ve seen many wonderful traders come and move on. Today, we have a fantastic selection of products – from jams and fruit pies, to luxury doughnuts and gravity-defying iced cakes.
During recent years, we’ve gained a reputation for vegan products and laid-back street food. Traders old and new complement each other perfectly and every year the Farmers’ Market becomes more diverse and innovative.
These uncertain times prove how much value there is in shopping locally and sustainably. The challenges of 2020 have only made us stronger and we can’t wait to see what the next decade brings!