THE team behind the annual Liskeard Ploughman’s Festival are pleased to be hosting the first event in a new community space created in the former Cattle Market.
Up to 16 stalls bursting with local produce and crafts will be there tomorrow (Saturday, August 15) from 10am-2pm, with the added attraction of live music for entertainment while you browse.
The market will also be the first open air event to be held in Liskeard town centre since COVID-19 lockdown regulations were first introduced in March.
The event falls on the date which would have seen Liskeard welcoming hundreds of visitors for the main Ploughman’s Festival, a celebration of food, music and beer, but the onset of the pendemic has led to its cancellation.
Pauline Hubner, festival chairman said: ‘We were of course devastated to have to cancel both our Spring Market in April and our 2020 Ploughman’s Festival. This has come on top of us previously having to cancel our 2019 event due to storm conditions on the set-up day in Westbourne Gardens.
‘However, we did manage to rescue part of last year’s festival by holding the produce market on The Parade in the morning, so with the easing of some of the lockdown restrictions, which includes permission to hold outdoor markets, we have decided to go ahead with this aspect of the day once again.’
In addition to the market, there will also be a ‘Music Hub’ with some talented local musicians and singers situated outside David Hambly Photography, helping the morning to go with a swing.
Performing will be Bache, Charlie Louise, and Mark Tween Music, who have all played on stage at previous Ploughman’s Festivals. They will be joined by six members and friends from Liskerrett Choir, accompanied by fiddle and squeeze box, who have formed specially to support the event.
The Ploughman’s team said: ‘Community spirit is at the heart of our organisation and we are hoping that, as well as supporting local producers and musicians, our Summer Market will also help to brighten up the town during these difficult times for everyone.
‘We hope that you’ll all come along to have a browse, listen to the music and buy some delicious and lovely things!
‘We will also be fundraising for our 2021 festival, as having taken the blow of a double cancellation we have been hit hard financially. Any support through pennies in our collecting bucket will be gratefully appreciated. ‘
The event has been moved to the Cattle Market, where the larger space allows for the appropriate social distancing and extra hygiene measures to be put into place.
The team are also keen to support the new community space and the work being done there by Liskeard In Bloom, who will be among the stallholders.
Schedule for Music Hub Performances:
10.30am Members and Friends of Liskerrett Choir
11.25am Mark Tween Music
12.30pm Charlie Louise
1.15pm Bache