Shoppers and traders in St Albans today celebrated the Farmers’ Market tenth anniversary.

Consisting of only a handful of stalls, the market in St Peter,s Street was first set up on October 24, 1999.

Since its official launch in June 2001 the market, which takes place on the second Sunday of each month, has been held 100 times and now has a staggering 70 stalls.

To mark the special occasion today, Councillor Melvyn Teare, portfolio holder for culture and heritage, cut a cake with stallholders while morris men entertained shoppers.

Councillor Teare, who was involved in setting up the market, said: “The market provides an opportunity for people to sell and buy locally produced food. We have an incredible range of products now.

“In the early days we had the pressure of trying to encourage people to use it but now it is so popular that about 15,000 people walk through. We have had generous support from the public throughout the ten years.

“The Farmer’s Market is different to your typical Saturday market. People linger for longer. There’s no rush, they take their time. We are extremely proud.”

Sauces, alcohol, fudge, cakes, breads, meat, fish, jams and eggs are just some of the products residents can buy.

Stallholder Martin Hicks, of the Orchard Initiative, recalls how the wet weather on the first farmers’ market back in 1999 failed to dampen customer’s spirits.

He said: “It was combined with an apple day. It rained a lot but that did not put people off. There were some 3,500 visitors.

“By buying food from local producers it is keeping the livestock in Hertfordshire. People who buy the food are helping to conserve their local countryside and wildlife.”

Miller Justin James of Redbournbury Watermill and Bakery said the market had grown greatly over the past ten years.

Mr James said: “There is always a fantastic atmosphere. There is a real buzz about St Albans.

“There are always lots of people who are always friendly. It’s just a good old-fashioned market. I still look forward to it each month.”

Market manager Chris Tofts said its popularity was due to loyal stallholders and a wide selection of products.

Mr Tofts added: “It’s a cold, dark day but people are still out. Residents rely on getting their foods here because they are fresh and they know exactly where they are coming from. They also find products that are unusual and different.”