An event at the heart of Egremont’s community life hopes to make a return as soon as lockdown ends – so get ready for one very special shopping trip to the popular town market

The hugely-popular monthly Farmers’, Craft and Fairtrade Market in Egremont Market Hall on Market Street, attracts traders in both food and crafts, and often has live music to accompany your shopping experience.

The market is currently suspended due to the latest lockdown, but Chair of the market committee, Helen Shipton-Smith, is excited to open the event’s doors again as soon as it’s safe to do so.

She said: “The market attracts so much support, and it provides the community with something a bit special.”

Shoppers normally travel from across the county to sample the home-baked bread, pies and cakes, or pick up smoked meat and fish, unusual game and sustainable local crafts.

Entertainment is often provided courtesy of local musicians, schools or music groups, and, in non-Covid times, there is a café area with hot drinks, juice and home-made treats.

There is a great selection of stalls at each market – offerings include hand-made preserves, local cheeses, soups and tempting cakes.

Accompanying the tasty food are craft stalls with unique gifts including hand-made leather goods, art and decorative items, jewellery, plants and cards – and Fairtrade is a big feature of the event.

Helen added: “Egremont is very focused on being a Fairtrade town, so to have so many stalls offering such a wide range of Fairtrade and homemade products is fantastic.”

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When the market was operating between lock downs, it was quickly transformed into a Covid-safe environment with a one-way system, separate entrance and exit, and social distancing.

“Things have been a bit different through Covid, but it’s still been nice for people to come along and have a trip to the market – it’s got such a community feel to it,” said Helen.

She is hopeful stall holders and visitors can be welcomed back in March.

“There’s so much choice for people – the pies, homemade cakes and other foods are always very popular,” Helen said, adding: “A lot of people come specifically for the marmalade made by Felicity to raise money for Hospice at Home!”

“At each market we host a local charity so people can donate, and they can raise hundreds of pounds just from one day.”

The market was set up 20 years ago, and Helen says the key to its survival is the support it gets from locals.

Helen said: “It’s so important to shop locally. People buy things from the supermarket and it’s the same old stuff, but the market offers a traditional shopping experience and so many special, unique items you can’t get anywhere else.

“When you buy local, the money stays in the area and supports local families and the local economy.”

She added: “The market traders have bent over backwards to keep their loyal customers through the lockdowns, and many have even offered free delivery, so a big thank you to them for keeping everyone going, and thank you to all the customers who have kept the businesses going as well.”

If you aren’t yet convinced that the market is one of the top attractions in Copeland, why not treat yourself with a trip to Egremont when lockdown is over? Plenty of delicious treats, countless beautiful crafts and a day of non-stop smiling is guaranteed!

For more information, including details on the next market and the traders who will be there, visit the Egremont Farmers Craft and Fairtrade Market Facebook page.