Riverside Market: 20 years and still going strong

People are central to any story, and no place more so than Cardiff’s Riverside Farmers Market.

Last Sunday saw a variety of local food producers and consumers celebrate the 20th anniversary since stalls were first set up in a nearby neighbourhood park.

Founded in 1998 by the multi-talented Steve Garrett (see below), what started as a monthly event soon moved to Fitzhamon Embankment, opposite the now Principality stadium, and has thrived on a weekly basis ever since.

The farmers and producers that have been the bedrock of two decades of success offer some of the very best healthy local Welsh food. Produced sustainably or organically the benefits to the environment and local economy have continued through the years.

As the project grew, the social enterprise now known as ‘Riverside Real Food’ was set up. This led to another farmers market in Roath and a further in Rhiwbina.

 

Since then multiple pop up events, street food stalls, and initiatives in schools and community centres have spread the message of good food, community, and the social entrepreneurship that is so very vital to an economy.

Bathed in the fortunate sunlight of a Welsh autumn morning, I wandered down to the market and captured with my eyes, camera and taste buds some of the culinary delights that have ensured Riverside market of being, rightly so, a proud staple of the Welsh capital.