STROUD Farmers Market will celebrate its 15th birthday this weekend.

The market has grown considerably since its tiny beginnings.

In 1999, the market started up with just 11 stalls.

At the time, Stroud was one of only three producers-only markets to start up in the UK.

But such was their popularity that there are now more than 500 markets a month.

To celebrate the success of the past 15 years, the birthday celebrations will take place from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, July 5.

Throughout the morning there will be jugglers, stiltwalkers, musicians and Morris dancers as well as birthday cake made by Sweet Hearts of Nailsworth which will be cut at 11am to be shared by everyone present.

There is also a chance to win a Stroud farmers market hamper, which contains at least one item from every stall, valued in total at around £150.

Market organiser Kardien Gerbrands said: “We hope everyone who has been and enjoyed the market over the years will come down on Saturday to join us in celebrating this wonderful event.”

The farmers market in Stroud has good reason to celebrate. It has been one of the most successful markets in the country.

Awards have included: Best Certified Farmers market in the UK in 2007 and again in 2013.

In 2010 it also won the BBC Best Food Market in the UK.