Traders at Harrogate Farmers’ Market reported good sales today when they returned after the easing of lockdown restrictions.

The market was held on Cambridge Street for the first time since January and featured 25 stalls selling everything from a hog roast to woollen blankets to vegetables.

The market, organised by Yorkshire Farmers’ Markets, is normally held on the second Thursday of each month but it moved this month to coincide with the reopening of shops.

The town centre was busy today, with people enjoying a walk around the shops and a coffee in the sun.

Ryan Jepson, who pitched his cheese stall at the top of the street, said sales were comparable with pre-covid levels:

“Today’s back to where it was before really. It’s good to be back here. Of course, the more markets that reopen the better for us.

“The town looks different with places closed now. As cafes open indoors it’ll get busier again. It’s interesting to see how different people are shopping, using card over cash, keeping away from the stall etc.”

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One of the outdoor market’s longest-serving traders, John Piercy, of Piercy’s Pork was also pleased with how it went:

“Yes it’s been really good today, a lot of our regulars are back. Every market we get fresh customers and I hope they all cotton on to our product and come back. People are wanting to support local now. It’s nice to be back out again.”

Fran Cawthorne, from Yorkshire Blankets, was happy to be outside again after moving to online sales over lockdown:

“It’s been quite busy — we’ve done alright, it’s been a good day. It’s nice to be back out and chatting to customers again.

“We love coming to Harrogate, people have been buying a lot of blankets from us today for when people are sat outside in beer gardens.”

Knaresborough farmers’ market is making a comeback on Saturday.

The monthly market will return with 12 food stalls selling everything from Indian treats to cakes and vegetables.

Stalls will be trading on the town’s Market Square at the usual time of 10am to 3pm.

The market will be the first in the Harrogate district run by Yorkshire Farmers’ Markets to reopen.

It has taken place several years, attracting many locals and visitors but the organisers expect the first one back this weekend may be quieter than usual.

Jane Chidley, market officer at Yorkshire Farmers’ Markets, said:

“We are thrilled to get back to it. All the stallholders were eager to get back as soon as they could.

“We are encouraging people to follow social distancing rules and won’t be offering tasters.”

Due to lockdown the market could only be held for a few months in 2020 and stopped again in January this year.

Ms Chidley said she was hopeful that this time the market, which will take place in Knaresborough on the third Saturday each month, will be “back for good”.

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The Harrogate farmers’ market will return on April 15. It is usually held on the second Thursday of each month on Cambridge Street but has been pushed back a week in April to coincide with shops reopening on April 12.