A popular County Durham market boasting 80 stalls will return for its 2026 season this weekend, with organisers promising it will be the "best year yet".
Traders and shoppers will be welcomed back to the monthly Farmers and Indie Market in Middleton-in-Teesdale at the Middleton Mart on Saturday (February 28) from 9am until 1pm.
The free market, run by Naomi Katze from Gather North Events, was launched in May 2024 and has grown every month.
Now heading into its third year and running every fourth Saturday of the month, Naomi is keen to see more people than ever attend.
She said: "After a winter break, the Farmers and Indie Market is returning to the pens, and about time too.
"The traders are extremely excited to be back, and judging by comments on their social media pages, the customers are really looking forward to it too."
The markets, which run from February until December each year, see regular traders and some new stalls pitch up once a month.
Special one-off markets are also held throughout the year, including two Christmas event markets last December.
Visitors can find a butcher, artisan bread, a fishmonger, cheesemakers, free-range eggs, raw milk, baked goods from traditional pies and pastries, sell-out scotch eggs, chocolates & cheesecakes, as well as gluten-free and dairy-free options.
There's honey, beer, cider, rum, a traditional florist, pet treats, as well as the more unusual, including chilli sauces, Indian and Sri Lankan curries and specialist Moroccan delicacies.
The Indie market is also full of artists, quirky creations and a collection of eclectic gifts.
Outside is the Horsebox barista, hot crepes & crumbles, and an 'eco-van' for people to bring their empty containers and refill with essentials.
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The on-site café also provides hot bacon rolls.
Naomi has advised people that if they want the market to be quieter, they are advised to arrive after 10.30am to avoid some of the crowds that tend to go between 9am and 10.30am.
Parking is available on site with a bus stop right outside Middleton Mart.
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