Wye Farmers' Market returns to The Green, Saturday 6th June

Wye Farmers' Market will re-open on The Green on Saturday 6th June. Although the traditional setting for the market will look familiar, as the Covid-19 crisis is ongoing and the risk remains real, shoppers will be asked to follow several new guidelines. These restrictions include a one-way system and are necessary to minimise the risk to shoppers and the stallholders, and to meet recent government safety guidance. The Wye Farmers' Market organisers acted very quickly at the start of lockdown and moved the market online at the beginning of April. Now the government is allowing all farmers' markets to re-open - provided they have a safe system in place. In response to the changing situation, the Wye organisers have developed the seven simple guidelines listed below. They conclude that 'this is going to be in the safest way possible, and we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines if attending:

1. Only one person per household to visit
2. Pre-order where possible
3. Use card payments where possible
4. Enter the market's one way system at the Church end of The Green
5. Shop quickly
6. No gathering on the grass of The Green
7. Do not attend if you or a member of your household is showing symptoms of Covid-19.'

Please note that Wye Farmers' Market online shop will remain open. 'Collection will be from each individual stallholder that is attending, or from a collection point for those that are not.'

Please see the Wye Farmers' Market website and Facebook page for any changes.

The new system for Wye Farmers' Market follows the latest government guidance on outdoor food markets and farmers' markets (updated 18th May). This guidance states that 'the main concern with outdoor food markets is to avoid crowds gathering. Local Authorities may have decided to close such markets as part of actions taken to maintain social distancing. Where markets are still in operation, we encourage food market operators to consider how they can safely sell their products without encouraging crowds and ensure hygiene measures are in place. This can be done by:

• taking orders online or by telephone in advance and pre-packing orders to limit face-to-face time in the market
• considering delivery services if possible'