Traditional farmers' market set to return

Supported by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, the first of two Farmers’ Markets will take place on Saturday 4th June at The Courthouse, followed by a second market on Saturday 2nd July.

With ‘fresh, delicious, organic, and healthy foods’, the Farmers’ Markets will showcase the ‘best’ local primary and artisan produce.

The market will feature independent food producers, such as Passion Preserved, Mike’s Fancy Cheese, Neary Nogs Artisan Chocolate, Buchanan’s Farm Shop and Amberline’s organic produce and preserves.

Start-ups including Erin Burgess’ Grain & Co Bakery and Sarah McGreechan’s Sarah’s World Fare and Little Pink Kitchen will also be present.

This ‘impressive bill of fare’ for the first Farmers’ Market is ardently supported by Hillsborough’s local food and hospitality businesses such as The Plough Inn and Azora Café.

Other street food vendors include Hog Plate and Pizza Box, all of the food producers involved are committed to sourcing as much of their ingredients as possible from home-grown sources.

Claire Kelly, of Passion Preserved said: “As independent traders, initiatives like these Farmers’ Markets are essential to our livelihood and there is something really rewarding for both us as producers and customers in buying direct from source.

“It is a very social way of doing business and getting the weekly food shop done! We are always extremely grateful for the support of local established businesses and it is great to see a few of them getting involved.”

Alderman Allan Ewart, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Development Committee, said: “We are excited about bringing a new Farmers’ Market to Hillsborough during the NI Year of Food and Drink 2016.

“We see these two markets as a pilot exercise to gauge potential for a regular Farmers’ Markets in Hillsborough.

“We consider these initiatives as essential platforms in supporting our talented and committed native food producers and consequently local businesses.”