On Friday November 19, Aber Falls opened the doors to its new Welsh Farmer’s Market in Abergwyngregyn, with a special festive launch ceremony, officially opened by Welsh TV presenter and celebrity Siân Lloyd.
Funded by the Coastal Communities Fund, the Aber Falls Farmer’s Market will provide local and independent Welsh businesses with a regular platform to showcase their products, whether it be food and drink or arts and crafts. The market is looking to connect the local community with small and upcoming businesses, by showcasing the best of Wales and encouraging the community to support these local suppliers.
To celebrate the launch of the Farmer’s Market, Aber Falls invited special Welsh VIP Siân Lloyd to officially open the market to the public, as well as announce the winner of the brand’s ‘Local Hero’ competition, Garry Frost.
Siân Lloyd, Welsh presenter and meteorologist, said: “It was an honour to officially open Aber Falls’ brand-new Farmer’s Market and to help select and announce the winner of the Local Hero competition. I am such a personal fan of Aber Falls, their products and their ongoing commitment to the local community, so I was absolutely thrilled to be a special guest for this event.”
Garry Frost of Cwm-y-glo, near Caernarfon, was announced the winner of the ‘Local Hero’ competition thanks to his commendable contribution to the local community during the pandemic, completing more than 700 hours volunteering for Blood Bikes Wales, making meals for vulnerable people and more. Garry also won an Aber Falls Deluxe Christmas Hamper, filled with popular food and drink from North Wales, as well as a bevy of spirits from Aber Falls, including its latest Single Malt Welsh Whisky. Locals Simon Holland Roberts and Olivia Hart, who also went above and beyond during the pandemic, were named runners-up.
James Wright, Managing Director at Aber Falls, said: “We were delighted to officially open our new Aber Falls Farmers Market, and it was fantastic to welcome so many people from our local community who joined us on this special evening. I want to thank Sian Lloyd for showing her support to Aber Falls and for opening the farmers market with Garry, who is not only a worthy winner of our local hero competition, but his work and support in the community is an inspiration to us all.”
Overlooking the foothills of the Snowdonia Mountain range and the Menai Strait, the Aber Falls Farmer’s Market launch, was accompanied by a Christmas light switch on and festive beverages including salted toffee liqueur hot chocolates, spiced cider and mulled wine orange marmalade gin. The guests were treated with a surprise performance from famous local choir, Côr y Penrhyn, also known as Penrhyn Male Voice Choir. Speaking of their first outing in two years, Alun Davies from the choir, said: “It was wonderful to mark our return to singing at the opening of the Farmer’s Market, with many locals and friends and family there to enjoy the occasion. We look forward to returning next month to sing Christmas Carols for visitors.”
Maddie Williams and Catrin Butler, the events team for the Farmer’s Market, concluded: “Our weekly Farmer’s Market gives our community the opportunity to come together in support of our fantastic small and independent businesses. Being a member of the Food and Drink Wales Industry Board, it gives us great pleasure to give these local suppliers a platform, and the recognition they deserve for their dedicated work.’’
Minister for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths said: “Here in Wales we are very passionate about our distinctive food offer. It’s great to see this event with a particular focus on North Wales produce. This is something to celebrate and share, and I would like to wish all producers involved the very best with the launch of their Farmers Market. It’s a great opportunity for local producers to come together and showcase the wonderful and delicious goods they offer.”
Just some of the businesses showcasing their wares at this weekend’s official launch event were Purple Moose, Wickedly Welsh, Fflam Candles, Elgan Jones Photography, and Sabor De Amor.
The Aber Falls Farmer’s Market will take place at regular intervals until the end of this year and pick up again in 2022.
Opening dates for 2021 are as below:
November
Friday 19th Nov: 3pm – 9pm
Saturday 20th Nov: 12pm – 9pm
Sunday 21st Nov: 11am – 5pm
CANCELLED – Saturday 27th Nov
CANCELLED – Sunday 28th Nov
December
Saturday 4th Dec: 12pm – 9pm
Sunday 5th Dec: 11am – 5pm
Saturday 11th Dec: 12pm – 9pm
Sunday 12th Dec: 11am – 5pm
Friday 17th Dec: 3pm – 9pm
Saturday 18th Dec: 12pm – 9pm
Sunday 19th Dec: 11am – 5pm
