The first event took place in late October last year, when the town centre enjoyed a bumper day.
Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, who worked hard with Ayrshire Farmers’ Markets organiser Howard Wilkinson to bring the event to the newly regenerated Main Street, are delighted at the levels of interest for an event which was praised by local councillors and townspeople, as well as by traders.
Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive of Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, said: “The £2.75 million transformation of Main Street helped to recreate a traditional town square to provide a focal point for events such as this, which bring new vibrancy to the town.
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“Following on from the success of the first event – when cash machines ran out and needed to be refilled, and traders and shopkeepers reported a very successful day, we are expecting the second event to build on the success.”
Following the inaugural event Howard Wilkinson, Market Organiser, said: "It was an excellent starter market. The community turned out to check out the farmers' market experience; we hoped they enjoyed it -- they seemed to based on their range of purchases and feedback from the producers.”
Jim Watson, of the Community Council, said: “The turnout at the farmers’ market was very encouraging and was a great start for our ‘new look’ Main Street.”
The Community Council carried out a short survey during the market and there was a very positive response to all the investment and hard work of the last year – people are delighted to see new shops opening in the town.
And local councillor Margaret McDougall said: “Retailers said they had seen an increase in their sales as a result of the farmers’ market attracting so many people and this has lifted the whole town.
“What was great was that people took the time to look around all the shops in the town. So they now know what Kilwinning has to offer and I am sure they will come back again and again.”
(GK)
