Historic Barkway Market attracts record number of visitors

More than 4,000 people attended the event on Sunday, May 11, which featured 180 stalls selling local artisan wine and cheese, locally-grown lavender, antiques, plants and garden accessories, artwork, handcrafted wares, clothing, jewellery, cakes and more.

Musical entertainment at the market (Image: Barkway Market Committee)

Home-Start Royston, Buntingford and South Cambs also ran their own stall with activities and a raffle to raise funds for families in need.

A wide range of food and drink was on offer, including refreshments served by Barkway's Tally Ho pub, while children enjoyed a bouncy castle, balloon modelling, miniature train rides, face painting and a treasure hunt run by Barkway Local History group.

There were 180 stallholders with a variety of products on offer (Image: Barkway Market Committee)

Music was provided by Royston Radio, the Royston Town Band, the Barley, Barkway and Chrishall Choir, busker Joseph Littlewood and a variety of other acts.

The popular craft fair was held at Barkway Church, with refreshments served within the grounds of Manor Farm.

The 7th Royston Barkway Scout Group marshalled the car park and took voluntary donations, and Barkway and Barley Schools provided refreshments onsite.

A craft fair was held at Barkway Church (Image: Barkway Market Committee)

Stallholder Kelly's Kitchen said: "What a brilliantly organised and well supported event! It was so lovely to see such community spirit.

"Our first time at this event and we hope to come again next year - if they will have us."

The Steel Garden Company commented: "Today was our first event with the fabulous Barkway Market.

Refreshments at Barkway Market (Image: Barkway Market Committee)

"It was expertly run, amazing organisers and volunteers. Let’s not forget all the generous customers."

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Barkway Market is entirely volunteer-led, with the help of a dedicated committee.

The organisers thanked all those who gave up their free time on the day, as well as the landowners who allow the market to take place within the grounds of Manor Farm.

More than 4,000 people attended the market (Image: Barkway Market Committee)

The Barkway Market Committee said: "Despite what the weather had thrown at us over the last few months, we were truly blessed with a wonderful warm, sunny day in the beautiful grounds of Manor Farm.

"It was a truly super day and with local organisations working together to raise funds for good causes, it had a real community feel."

The craft fair inside Barkway Church (Image: Barkway Market Committee)