Christmas event and the return of Alnwick Food Festival and Taste of the North in 2021 among organisers' plans

That is the positive message from the town’s new market operator, Geraud (UK), ahead of what should have been a weekend celebrating local food produce.

James Ormsby, who runs the market for Geraud, said: “Obviously the food festival has been cancelled – as the Taste of the North event was at the end of June – but what we are looking to do this year is set up a two-day market for Christmas.

"As we move into next year we will be looking at a full calendar of events so we certainly want to continue with Taste of the North and the food festival.”

They are also working to increase the amount of local food produce on offer at the weekly markets.

Discussions have been held with Northumberland County Council about supporting its Produced in Northumberland initiative.

"What we want to do is try to bring more food products into the market place,” said James.

“We have four or five traders on a weekly basis who are part of Produced in Northumberland.

"What our ultimate goal would be is to put an additional market day on and have a Produced in Northumberland theme.”

He also revealed that Northumberland Estates is extending its offer of a free weekly stall to those wanting to showcase new products, trial new business ideas and for local charities to raise awareness and funds.

“They have decided they are going to extend that until the end of December,” said James. “Originally it was due to finish at the end of September but they have decided to extend it because they have had some really great encouragement coming through from local traders who want to take it up.

"From our perspective, we are more than happy to support this kind of thing. We have found that a number of traders have come and taken the Northumberland Estates stall and have then decided to continue with the market.”

Geraud (UK) was appointed to take over the running of the markets by Northumberland Estates in March only for lockdown to intervene and place it in hibernation.

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