Big news for Truro Farmers Market!
We’re incredibly proud to share that Truro Farmers Market has been awarded £25,000 as part of Airbnb’s 2026 “Best of British Fund.”
This national fund recognises organisations that showcase the very best of local communities, culture and experiences across the UK — and we’re delighted to be representing Truro and Cornwall.
What this means for the market
This funding is genuinely transformational for us.
It allows us to take a much-loved local market and develop it into something even more immersive, resilient and future-focused — while staying true to what makes it special.
At the heart of this will be the launch of the Truro Farmers Market Food Tours, a new way for visitors to experience the market.
A new food experience for Truro
Rather than just browsing the market, visitors will be able to take part in guided food tours — meeting producers, tasting incredible local food, and hearing the stories behind it.
The funding will help us deliver:
- Professional, weather-proof tour hubs so tours can run reliably all year round
- Guided access to award-winning producers, sharing the heritage behind Cornish food
- An accessible audio system, including induction loop technology
- A deeper, more immersive visitor experience built around storytelling and connection
This isn’t just about equipment — it’s about creating an interactive and engaging food experience in the heart of Truro.
Why this matters right now
Tourism is changing.
Visitors are no longer just looking to see a place — they want to experience it.
Cornwall has always had incredible food, but this project allows us to bring that story to life. From Cornish pasties to local seafood, visitors will be able to connect directly with the people and traditions behind the produce.
As Abi Steele from Visit Truro explains:
“The two biggest growth areas are authentic memorable experiences which have been repeatedly evidenced in consumer research. The other is an ever growing interest in local food and drink. This funding will bring those together and create a whole new exciting experience which will elevate Truro Farmers Market to a new level, which will help increase visitor footfall to not only the market but also the high street.”
Supporting the wider Truro community
This project goes far beyond the market itself.
By encouraging visitors to spend more time in the city, it will help support:
- Independent shops
- Local cafés and restaurants
- Accommodation providers
- Cultural and heritage attractions
Food tours turn a short visit into a longer, more meaningful experience — bringing more people into Truro and supporting the local economy.
Building for the future
The past few years haven’t been easy.
Rising costs, changing visitor habits, and unpredictable weather have all had an impact on traders and markets across the country.
This funding gives us the opportunity to adapt — to build something more resilient, more engaging, and more sustainable for the long term.
It’s an investment not just in infrastructure, but in the future of Truro Farmers Market and the incredible producers at its heart.
A big thank you
We’re hugely grateful to Airbnb for this support and recognition.
And, as always, to our traders, customers and community — this wouldn’t be possible without you.
We can’t wait to share what comes next.
