Shoppers are being encouraged to return to the Maidstone Market at Lockmeadow to support local producers when it reopens this Saturday 13 June.
As part of the national ‘Love your Local’ campaign Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is asking everyone to support the returning stall holders and the new stalls offering a wide variety of locally produced goods every Tuesday and Saturday from 7am.
In line with government guidance all stalls will be appropriately situated allowing for social distancing measures with fresh air and space for shoppers and sellers.
MBC Leisure Property Manager – Alexa Kersting-Woods said: “Maidstone Borough Council is pleased to be able to reopen the doors of the Maidstone Market at Lockmeadow this Saturday.
“The good news is that it has grown. Not only are we delighted to see our regular stall holders back, but also to welcome new people offering more local produce with plenty of space for people to shop safely.
“Whilst a difficult time for so many of us, lockdown has proved how we have started to support local producers once again, and Maidstone Market is helping to continue this through the national ‘Love your Local’ campaign encouraging more local producers to be part of it. We really hope that our residents will do that too and come down to Lockmeadow on Saturday to sample the great quality products including fresh food, crafts and produce.”
To encourage new local producers the Council has also been offering free pitches at the market to provide the perfect platform for people to re-connect with their local community. The criteria for the free stalls are that applicants must make or produce goods locally and that they are new to Maidstone Market.
Ms Kersting-Woods continued: “The Council has offered small businesses and local producers the opportunity to experience Maidstone Market free of charge for eight sessions. We want everyone to come and be a part of Maidstone’s bigger, better local market to shop local, sell local and Love your Local Market. We look forward to seeing you there every Saturday and Tuesday morning.” Anyone wishing to register for a free Maidstone Market stall should call 01622 602529 or email: AlexaKerstingWoods@Maidstone.gov.uk