A new and bigger ?City Market? will replace the Farmer?s Market at Bull?s Head car park in Hamilton.

The running of the weekly market was put out to tender for the first time this year by the Corporation of Hamilton.

Frances Eddy, who had been at the helm of the event since 2002 did not apply, and a successful application was made by the City Market Association ? a group of vendors and farmers.

The new market will open from Saturday, November 18, for an hour longer, from 8 a.m until 1 p.m., and aims to offer a greater variety of goods and be more family friendly, according to those behind it.

Vendor Tom Wadson said: ?We believe there are still many residents of Bermuda that are not aware of the existence of the Saturday market at Bull?s Head.

?The City Market plans to make it the place to be on a Saturday by including ? in addition to its vendors ? a caf? and relaxation court, child-centred activities, and a variety of community artists and special interest groups.?

He said the City Market Association shared the Corporation of Hamilton?s vision of a local market that offered local farmers, fishermen, gardeners and artisans a venue to sell produce, farm-related items, plants and crafts directly to residents and visitors alike.

Terry Lynn Thompson of the market steering committee, added: ?We?re running the market for a little longer because we realise some people don?t get up until 11 a.m.

?We are also focusing on child-centred activities so people can relax while they shop, knowing their child is positively engaged. That was missing from the last market.?

Ms Eddy said in a statement: ?The Bermuda Farmer?s Market had come to be a popular place to go on a Saturday mornings and loved by many residents.?

She said that in spite of its success, she had decided to move on to other aspirations.

She told this had been ?partially? prompted by the decision to put the event out to tender, but declined to comment further.

Vendors interested in participating in the City Market can pick up an application form from City Hall, which should be returned no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, October 20th.

For more information, email citymarketbermuda.com or call 517 4101.