The Frome Market makes a welcome return this Saturday with stallholders gearing up for a busy run up to Christmas.

The market is a hugely popular shopping experience that allows customers to shop locally in a safe, open air environment where social distancing measures are put in place to keep customers safe. Since the pandemic, the Frome's Saturday market has gone from strength to strength with more stalls and more variety of produce than ever before.

Katy Harris from Katy's Kitchen has been trading at the Frome Market every Saturday for three years, selling her home-made vegan and vegetarian produce.

She said: "Us traders have seen a huge shift in peoples shopping habits since the pandemic. People like coming to the market because they get to chat to the people who sell the produce, and get a much more personal shopping experience than they would in a supermarket.

"The market is a traditional, longstanding service that serves people well and is a lifeline to many. Since the pandemic, we have noticed how much more valuable our service is to the community. It is much safer to shop outdoors and us traders give people the opportunity to buy produce they won't find in the big shops.

All friends - knowing shopping is better this way

" I feel very proud to be a part of the market. Us traders are a friendly bunch, behind the scenes we are all good friends and we are all fully committed to keeping this value service alive. Christmas is going to be a busy one. "On my stall, expect to see a vast selection of vegan and vegetarian food to make your Christmas really special. From vegan nut roasts, vegan mince pies, to pasties, side dishes and cake. I sold over 200 nut roasts last Christmas on my stall and am hoping to break my record this year. I can't wait!" By far the biggest and longstanding stalls belong to Dan from Somerset Deli. Dan is gearing up for a mega busy cheesy two weeks ahead. Dan said: " The Somerset Deli will be at the Festive Frome Markets with a stall groaning under the weight of all the cheese we have stocked for you. From award-winning local cheddars to knockout British soft cheeses, not to mention the wide range of Italian, French and Spanish delights we regularly stock. Come and choose from over 100 different products that also includes handmade sourdough crackers and locally produced chutneys and pickles." If you are planning on coming to the Frome Saturday Market before Christmas, expect to see all sorts of festive treats, from home made Christmas decorations, festive flowers, gifts such as clothes, and handmade jewellery, a huge selection of cheese and pickles, Christmas cakes and sweet treats, vegan and vegetarian food. Not to mention daily/weekly staples such as pet food, bread, fresh fish, nuts and spices. The Frome Saturday Market will be open from 9am until 3pm in the Cattle Market Car park/Boyles Cross every Saturday until Christmas and there after.