Council urge people to shop local ahead of Chichester's Christmas farmers market
Two farmers markets are scheduled before Christmas Day
After such a turbulent year for local traders, people in Chichester are being encouraged by the district council to pick up supplies for the festive period at the Christmas farmers market.
It will take place between 09:00 – 14:00 on Friday, December 4 and Friday, December 18 in Chichester's Cattle Market car park.
Traders will have an ensemble of locally sourced food, drinks and hand crafted gifts.
This Friday (December, 4) many of the stallholders will be taking orders which can be collected for Christmas which can be collected at the subsequent market in a fortnights time.
Shoppers will also be able to 'click and collect' items from Picnic and Hamper and Christmas trees and wreaths from the Apuldram Centre.
Like with all events, strict social distancing measures will be in place so people can shop safely.
Councillor Alan Sutton, cabinet member for housing, communications, licensing and events at Chichester District Council, said:
"Supporting our local traders and businesses is especially important this Christmas after what has been an incredibly difficult year "Chichester Farmers' Market has so much to offer including high quality local produce, freshly baked cakes, pies and pastries, artisan gin, handmade gifts and crafts, and lots more. Safety is of course our top priority and we will ensure that social distancing measures are in place at these markets.
"This Christmas, we have also launched a new campaign to encourage residents to continue supporting our local traders and businesses in these difficult times by shopping locally to buy their festive food and gifts. Small and local businesses often stock items that are made locally and aren't available anywhere else, providing a great range of choice and unique products.
"To encourage people to shop locally and to help with social distancing, we are offering free parking every weekend in December in Avenue De Chartres car park, Chichester, and people can also use the MiPermit app to select two hours and get the third free in most of our car parks across the district during December."
Chichester Farmers' Market runs every first and third Friday of the month. After Christmas, there will be a short break with the first farmers' market of 2021 taking place on Friday 15 January, which will be the only farmers' market in January.