A city centre trading association has hailed their first Farmers’ Market a success as the public turned out in their thousands to support.
The Greater George Street Traders Association hosted its first Sustainable Farmer’s Market on Saturday July, 7th, from 10am – 4pm.
The farmers market included 15 local food and drink producers selling top quality fresh and locally produced food.
The sustainability festival hosted by Aberdeen Climate Action and Granite City Good Food was supported by 14 local organisations including CFINE, One Seed Forward, Aberdeen Climate Action and The Allotment Market Stall.
Both traders and local businesses felt the positive effects of the market, with market traders praising the festival feel and community engagement. Local businesses also reported seeing a significant increase in footfall in the area and commended the family friendly atmosphere.
Due to its popularity, it is hoped that the market will become a regular event on the first Saturday of each month with a quarterly seasonal festival recreating the carnival atmosphere in the market with Aberdeen Climate Action supporting the festival entertainment to include face painting and musicians.
Geoff Cooper, city centre manager at Aberdeen Inspired commented: “It was thrilling to be part of an event which saw an underused part of Aberdeen transformed into a busy vibrant shopping area with local businesses and sustainable organisations in the limelight, with shoppers supporting this venture in their thousands.
Many shops in the area have reported increased footfall and sales which is exactly what we were looking for.”
Stuart Milne who is chairman of the local trade association commented “I was delighted with the public reaction to our first Farmers’ Market and Sustainability Festival at the weekend.
Visitors and locals alike were vocal with their praise for the event which they viewed as being of great benefit to all aspects of the city centre community. The Melting Pot
collective managed the musical entertainment on the day which provided an almost carnival atmosphere. I overheard one person say, ‘wouldn’t it be great if this event could become a regular occurrence?’ and I’m bound to agree, it was an all win event for all who engaged in it.”
The market was organised by the Greater George Street Traders Association (GGSTA) and the funding was achieved through a grant application to the recent Aberdeen City Council UDecide fund. Match funding was provided by Aberdeen Inspired.
Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID operates. It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute.
Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district.