Frodsham Town Council wishes to provide residents with an important update regarding the recent sale of the Frodsham Market Royal Charter
Many residents will be aware that the Charter, granting the rights to operate Frodsham’s weekly market, was recently offered for sale by auction by its current owners. In the interests of safeguarding this significant community asset, Frodsham Town Council registered to bid, aiming to bring the market under local stewardship for the benefit of residents and taxpayers. All required registration steps and legal checks, including money-laundering compliance, were completed, and the Council was duly approved to participate in the auction scheduled from 10am on Tuesday 25th November to 10am on Wednesday 26th November.
However, at 9:08pm on Monday 24th November, the Council received an unexpected notification from the auction house stating:
“Unfortunately, my clients have instructed us not to allow Frodsham Town Council to participate in bidding for the market charter in this week’s auction. As auctioneers, like if we were estate agents, in the traditional sense, we are bound contractually to our seller client and must respect their wishes if we are given specific instructions not to accept bids/an offer from a specific party.”
As a direct result of this instruction, Frodsham Town Council was prevented from bidding. The Charter has now been sold to an as-yet unidentified purchaser, and the Council has not been informed who now holds the rights.
Although this outcome is disappointing, the Council remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting vibrant, high-quality markets in Frodsham. We are proud to operate the highly successful and much-loved Frodsham Artisan Market, held on the last Saturday of each month. The Council operates this market under the statutory powers granted to Town and Parish Councils under The Food Act 1984, Part III.
In recent years, the Artisan Market has grown into one of the town’s most popular attractions, regularly drawing thousands of visitors, championing independent traders and makers, and showcasing exceptional local produce, crafts, and creativity.
Frodsham is home to a thriving community of small businesses, including a rich variety of independent shops, cafés, and eating establishments that bring character and vitality to our town centre.
These enterprises, run by passionate and dedicated local owners, offer unique products, high-quality food and drink, and a warm welcome that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Alongside our Artisan Market, they help create a lively, distinctive, and resilient town centre that supports local jobs, encourages footfall, and strengthens community life.
Frodsham Town Council will continue to support and host the Artisan Market as a flagship community event, one that boosts the local economy, nurtures entrepreneurship, and brings friends, families, and visitors together in the heart of the town.
We warmly invite everyone to join us this Saturday, 29th November, for
