Weekend market bonanza in Bolton
Bolton Markets will be sharing the love this Saturday (May 20), with a feast of cookery demos, prizes and fun for all the family.
The Love Your Local Market (LYLM) campaign is in full swing in Bolton.
And on Sunday there will be an Artisan Market at Heaton Fold, with lots of exciting goods on sale from a host of stallholders.
LYLM fortnight (May 17 to 31) is organised by the National Association of British Markets Authorities to highlight the importance of local markets, and celebrate market culture.
Last weekend, Bolton held its fourth successful teenage market and attracted hundreds of visitors.
On Saturday, three teenage entrepreneurs (Bellasbakes, Lifebridge and Little Tiny Treasures) will be joining fun day at Bolton Market from 11am to 4pm.
A series of cookery demos will also take place in the Lifestyle Hall. Traders from food stalls Nkono (at 11am, 1pm) and Shima Rice N Oodles (at 12.30pm, 2.30pm) will rustle up dishes, with free tasters on offer.
Floral experts from Plantations (at 12pm and 1.30pm) will also deliver masterclasses on how to put arrangements together. And the Rock Choir will entertain customers at 2pm.
Visitors also have the chance to win a tropical flower arrangement from Plantations. Free face painting will be on offer from 11am to 3pm.
On Sunday, from 10am to 4pm at the Artisan Market, on Overdale Drive, off Chorley New Road, visitors will be able to see incredible birds of prey with a visit from Gary’s Feathered Friends.
The market is organised by Brian Hood, from Signature Soaps in conjunction with the council.
There will be a children’s play area and the opportunity to brighten up your garden – hanging baskets will be for sale (and the chance to have your old ones refilled).
New in – a lovely collection of Alstromeria flowers, including Indian Summer, and a fantastic selection of colourful bedding plants.
Customers will also be able to enjoy a cold beer, wine or cider, whilst browsing the mix of artisan food, drinks and craft producers. Singer Retro Parade will also be entertaining visitors from 10am to noon.
Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “The teenage market was once again a huge success and we want as many as possible to come to Bolton Market this Saturday
“Bolton has one of the best local markets in the country and it is visited by people from across the region. As if the event on Saturday isn’t enough, there is also the popular Artisan Market on Sunday, so this weekend is a real treat for marker lovers in Bolton.
“Markets are a crucial part of the local economy and a superb way of attracting visitors to our town, and it is great to see markets being celebrated in this way.”
Bolton Market is on Ashburner Street. For more information about LYLM visit www.loveyourlocalmarket.org.uk