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Documentary series looking at the stories behind Britain's traditional markets and auctions that are at the heart of the country's rural and coastal economies
Seasons
Episode 1
Documentary series looking at the stories behind Britain's traditional markets and auctions that are at the heart of the country's rural and coastal economies
The series opens by visiting the world-famous fish auction in Brixham, Devon which has been going for over 100 years but is now experiencing the biggest boom in its history.
The Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, mid Wales, hosts the Welsh Cob Autumn Sale. In front of crowds of up to 3,000, the three-day event sees more than 400 horses auctioned.
Exeter Livestock Market sits at the heart of Britain's farming heartlands of South-West England. On a busy day they sell over 3,000 animals in four hours and turns over seven hundred thousands pounds.
Spalding Plant and Vegetable Auction in Lincolnshire is the oldest market of its kind in the UK, having started in 1948. The 3 sales a week sell as many as 1,000 boxes and bags of vegetables and up to 16,000 plants a day.
Bala in Snowdonia, north Wales is home to one of the most important sheepdog auctions in Britain. Bad weather threatens the event but with neither buyers or sellers can let it deter them.
At the Welsh Cob Autumn Fair top cob breeder Julie Evans has 4 horses to sell. Buyer Alan Scales purchases hundreds of horses a year for his many international clients. Breeder Rob Manchip is looking to retire and sells 4 of his horses.
At Exeter Livestock Market there are nearly 2,500 sheep to sell today. Seller Stuart Crang is bringing 80 to sell. Buyer Roger Heggadon has nearly 2,000 on his farm but is looking to buy 100 more.
Unpredictable prices and very early starts make for a tough life for auctioneers, buyers and sellers alike at the world famous Brixham Fish Market.
At the Bala Autumn Sale nearly 80 dogs are on sale to buyers from across the UK and beyond. A good sheepdog can go for as much as ten thousand pounds.
Local farmer John Dix has nearly a tonne of potatoes to sell. Buyer James Dawson needs to buy stock for his fruit and veg stall in Scunthorpe. Charles Stubbs is buying plants for his chain of garden centres.
