A North Wales Distillery has opened the doors to its new Welsh Farmer's Market, with a special festive launch ceremony, officially opened by Welsh TV presenter and celebrity Siân Lloyd.

Funded by the Coastal Communities Fund, the Aber Falls Farmers' Market, in Abergwyngregyn, will provide local and independent Welsh businesses with a regular platform to showcase their products, whether it be food and drink or arts and crafts. The market is looking to connect the local community with small and upcoming businesses, by showcasing the best of Wales and encouraging the community to support these local suppliers.

To celebrate the launch, Aber Falls invited Siân Lloyd to officially open the market to the public, as well as announce the winner of their 'Local Hero' competition, Garry Frost.

Siân, Welsh presenter and meteorologist, said: "It was an honour to officially open Aber Falls' brand-new Farmers' Market and to help select and announce the winner of the Local Hero competition. I am such a personal fan of Aber Falls, their products and their ongoing commitment to the local community."

Garry Frost, of Cwm-y-glo, near Caernarfon, was announced the winner of the 'Local Hero' competition thanks to his commendable contribution to the local community during the pandemic, completing more than 700 hours volunteering for Blood Bikes Wales, making meals for vulnerable people and more.

 

Launch of the farmers market at Aber Falls - Penrhyn Male Voice Choir.

Launch of the farmers' market at Aber Falls - Penrhyn Male Voice Choir.

 

Garry also won an Aber Falls Deluxe Christmas Hamper, filled with popular food and drink from North Wales, as well as a bevy of spirits from Aber Falls, including its latest Single Malt Welsh Whisky.

Locals Simon Holland Roberts and Olivia Hart, who also went above and beyond during the pandemic, were named runners-up.

The Farmers' Market launch was accompanied by a Christmas light switch-on.

Guests were treated with a surprise performance from famous local choir, Côr y Penrhyn, also known as Penrhyn Male Voice Choir.

Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said: "Here in Wales we are very passionate about our distinctive food offer. It's great to see this event with a particular focus on North Wales produce.

"This is something to celebrate and share, and I would like to wish all producers involved the very best with the launch of their Farmers' Market. It's a great opportunity for local producers to come together and showcase the wonderful and delicious goods they offer."

Just some of the businesses showcasing their wares at last weekend's official launch were Purple Moose, Wickedly Welsh, Fflam Candles, Elgan Jones Photography, and Sabor De Amor.

The Aber Falls Farmers' Market will take place at regular intervals until the end of this year and pick up again in 2022.

Opening dates for 2021 are:

• November 27-28

• December 4-5

• December 11-12

• December 17-19

For more information on the Aber Falls Farmer's Market, visit www.aberfallsdistillery.com/en/farmers-market/.