CAMPAIGNER and TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is in Taunton today to help mark the tenth anniversary of Taunton Farmers' Market.
Hugh is signing books, giving a cookery demonstration and will cut a celebration cake at 1pm. He is filming for the next series of TV show River Cottage.
The market has taken place in Taunton High Street since 1999 and has gone from strength to strength, giving producers a town centre presence and shoppers the chance to buy local.
The market was founded by June and Robin Small, who run a successful orchard business in Creech St Michael, and is supported by Taunton Deane Council.
The market is accredited by FARMA, the National Farmers' Retail and Markets' Association, and has won a clutch of awards including Best Farmers' Market of the Year from English Heritage.
Celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is due to attend the celebrations and producers from other farmers' markets will set up stall to make the day extra special.
"Not only is it ‘business as usual’ for the Farmers’ Market but an indication of its strength that it is celebrating its tenth birthday", said Cllr Jefferson Horsley, the council’s executive member for economic development.
"In this era of the need for reducing our carbon footprint I welcome this regular opportunity to purchase locally grown produce."
The Birthday Market is open and runs until 3pm.
For more on the market, keep reading this website and see next Thursday’s County Gazette
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here