The farmers’ market on Whiteladies Road is gearing up for

Christmas and holding a special festive market on December 19th.

The market, which has been going for three years, is organised

by Sustainable Redland and on Friday had 25 stalls at the site on the corner of

Apsley Road and Whiteladies Road.

The idea is to bring fresh produce from local producers and there

is a wide range of stalls selling meat and poultry, fresh bread, jams and

chutneys, fresh fruit and veg, and sweets.

The market was even featured on a recent episode of BBC 2’s

The Restaurant, where would-be restaurant owners had to promote their

restaurant food in an attempt to impress Raymond Blanc.

The market usually runs on the first Friday and third

Saturday of the month, to give people who live and work in the area the chance

to come along.

But as it is Christmas the dates have moved around a little

so the next market is on December 19 and will feature wreath making

demonstrations as well as carols and general festivity.

Jim Wilkie is the market organiser appointed by Sustainable

Redland to manage the market.

He said: “We feel the market is going well after three years

and we have had to put some stalls over by the church on the other side of the

road because we’ve run out of room in this space.

“The people who run the stalls are the people who run the

business, so they know all about what they are selling, whether it’s the

shepherd who has reared the animals or the cheesemaker who has brought his

product straight to the market.

“It means that customers are dealing directly with people

who will be happy to answer their questions and know what they are talking

about.”

The market runs from 8.30am to 2pm. There is no market on

New Year’s Day, but it will be back to business as normal from January 16.

For more information go to www.sustainableredland.org.uk