Kendal Farmers' Market: Tim Farron tables praising motion

Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons on Thursday, February 12, congratulating Kendal Farmers’ Market.

It comes after Kendal Farmers’ Market was named as the UK’s Best Small Outdoor Market 2026 at the Great British Market Awards earlier this month.

The awards were organised by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA).

The Commons Early Day Motion reads: “That this House congratulates Kendal Farmers Market on being awarded the Great British Small Outdoor Market of the Year 2026.

“Recognises that this achievement reflects the immense dedication and hard work of the farmers, producers and traders.

“Notes the market’s vital role in serving the town and wider community.

“And celebrates Kendal's long history of weekly markets, the right to which was first granted by King Richard I in 1189.”

The major achievement is not just a huge deal for all the traders involved at the bi-monthly Friday market, but also for the town itself, as traders themselves explained to The Westmorland Gazette.

“This is a real honour for not just us as market traders, but the town [as well] – it really shows that Kendal has got a market that is forward thinking, it really is amazing,” said Catherine Connor, co-owner of Lovingly Artisan, one of the market’s many traders.

Peter Gott, from Sillfield Farm Shop, trader and chair of Kendal Farmers’ Market, touched on what he thinks makes the market so successful.

“Well, part of the reality is that we are foremost a farmers’ food market,” he said.

Mr Gott continued: “We have kept it food and we have kept it special.

"We make sure we don’t get over-saturation in any product categories.

“So, by keeping it special, it means that [traders] get the chance of making a little bit of money, but it also makes it very special for the customer.”