Bridgwater's Vegan and Eco Market returns next weekend

The event, which has been running since 2019, will be open between 10am and 3pm.

Vegan (and ‘vegan-curious’) punters can expect to find plenty of plant-based and cruelty-free produce, including street food and sweet treats.

There will also be clothing brands, cosmetics, beauty products, ethical arts and crafts stalls and children's entertainment such as face painting and giant bubbles.

The event is organised by Bridgwater Town Council in partnership with Vegan Fairs, which promotes similar events across the south west.

Daisy Botha, founder of Vegan Fairs, said: “Our vegan fairs have somewhat of a following across Somerset, and it’s great to see so many local businesses join our markets and join us in the fight for a more vegan and eco-friendlier world.

“We truly believe this event has something for everyone. So whether you’re vegan yourself or just ‘v-curious’, we can’t wait to see you very soon!”

The event is expected to bring in vegan (and ‘vegan curious’) visitors. (Image: Bridgwater Town Council)

The town council will run two competitions on the day: a recycled art competition for children in four age categories and a vegan baking competition.

The recycled art competition will allow young artists to showcase their creativity by transforming materials that would typically be discarded into beautiful works of art.

Entries should be brought to the Bridgwater Town Council gazebo by 1pm on the day of the event.

Aspiring bakers should register their entries in advance by clicking on this link. Their vegan creations should be brought to the council's gazebo by 2pm on the day of the event.

Councillor Liz Marsh (Labour, Victoria), the town council's community events spokesperson, said: “I’m so pleased to be involved in the delivery of our Vegan and Eco Market.

“It is one of the many free community events that Bridgwater Town Council has been putting on throughout the year.

“Our aim for all of them is to be family-friendly, engaging, informative, entertaining and varied, reaching all members of our community.

“We have chosen Blake Gardens as it lends itself perfectly for these events and has become a key community space for the town.”

Councillor Kathy Pearce, Bridgwater's climate change lead councillor, said: “As part of Bridgwater Town Council’s climate emergency strategy, this is a great opportunity to promote amazing alternative produce and products which literally do not cost the earth and have some fun at the same time.

“We invite everyone to come along to enjoy the range of produce on offer, maybe try something new, and find out how we can all make a difference.”

Cllr Kathy Pearce, the town council's climate change spokesperson. (Image: Westover Ward)

Councillor Brian Smedley, leader of Bridgwater Town Council, said “Town council is happy to support this annual event.

“We’re not saying veganism is the only way forward, but we are saying they’re welcome to promote their viewpoint and people have a choice to consider what they’re saying.

“The event promises to be a family-friendly festival of alternatives.”