Love Your Local Market

Shopping can be stressful. You’re searching for a specific product online, spending hours price-matching and reading reviews. An unbelievable online deal can quickly turn out to be a disaster when the T-shirt you buy comes three sizes smaller than the one you ordered. Why go through all this unnecessary drama when you could get the same items at a higher quality and at a great deal from your local market.

Throughout the north we’re lucky enough to have lots of incredible local markets all offering exciting stalls and events that are sure to cater to all your shopping needs.

LEEDS KIRKGATE MARKET became the largest indoor market in Europe when it opened 165 years ago! The prestigious market was the first home to high-street powerhouse Marks & Spencer and today is home to wide variety of indoor and outdoor stalls. From food to fashion, from CDs to crafts Kirkgate has something for everyone. Check out AdVintageous Vintage Fair on the first Saturday, the Record and Book Fair on the second Saturday, the Roaming Vintage Kilo Sale on the last Saturday of every month, as well as the Asian Bazaar every Wednesday to get yourself a great gift and/or treat. As well as these great reoccurring events Kirkgate Market has recently launched Mindful Markets and Vegan Markets where you can buy ethical, sustainable and local goods at a great value.

BURY’S MULTI AWARD WINNING MARKET (including Britain’s Favourite Market 2022) is located at the heart of Bury Town Centre and is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the North West. This shopping venue attracts coach visitors from all across the UK; and with the majority of the market’s 370 stalls being undercover, makes it a great place to visit all year round. The market is all on one level and accessible to all, with disabled facilities centrally located in the modern Market Hall and on the Open Market. Situated off Junction 2 of the M66 on the borders of Lancashire and Greater Manchester, Bury’s Award Winning Market is situated at the heart of the town centre; just follow the brown tourist signs for Bury’s Famous Market.

ACCRINGTON MARKET recently was named Highly Commended by NABMA at the Great British Market awards. This historic Victorian market, built in 1868, has been a community cornerstone for generations with traders who pride themselves on working together to provide the freshest produce of the highest quality at affordable prices – guaranteed! They have both an indoor and outdoor market with stalls featuring food, beauty, clothing, haberdashery and tech. Visiting Accrington Market is also a great opportunity to learn about local history at the Hyndburn Heritage Museum and show your local pride at the Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Club!

If you head over to BURNLEY MARKET, you’ll find a wide assortment of stalls to take a peek at. It doesn’t stop at fashion retailers, skilled tailors and tech repair specialists, you can also treat yourself to a set of nails or a fresh haircut while the kids enjoy the retro arcade! Take home a box of locally made fresh doughnuts or sit down and enjoy a sushi roll.

While there, you can pick up some ‘red/blue’ day healthy meals from the green grocers as well. Be sure to keep up to date with Burnley Market via social media and check out their Facebook series ‘No Stalls Barred’ for an in-depth look at what Burnley Markets has to offer and remember: ‘It’s your town, it’s your market, shop local.’

Home to dozens of independent traders, CHORLEY’S RENOWNED MARKET dates back to 1498 attracting visitors from miles around. The most popular market day is Tuesday, when visitors get to enjoy two markets – the permanent covered market and the Tuesday Street Market offering an outstanding range. From clothes and accessories, gifts, fresh local produce, food-to-go, pet supplies and much more. There are even fantastic places to sit and eat and drink, while you take in the atmosphere of a traditional market.

Visiting is easy as Chorley Markets are just a stone’s throw away from the town’s train station. As well as everything else Chorley has to offer, plus there are plenty of nearby car parks with many offering free parking periods.

Like many of the markets CALDERDALE MARKET is encouraging people to explore the opportunity to make a career out of their passion and try out their business idea in the low-risk space of a market, with the support of our friendly and experienced team. During the pandemic, Catherine Cook from Calderdale turned a hobby into a business as a market trader, and now regularly trades at two of our open markets with her daughters. Catherine said: “If you have a dream or you love making things, come along and try trading at a market. We love the banter with the other traders and, of course, with the customers.” Calderdale’s Markets are nationally acclaimed for the value and distinctiveness they bring to communities. Trading on our markets also means you’ll be part of the multi-million-pound investment into our local towns and markets, and further benefits include flexible occupancy and rent discounts. Why not get started in the world of business and explore calderdale.gov.uk/v2/businesses/become-market-trader

BLACKBURN MARKET has more than 120 stalls for you to browse around. Locally sourced fresh produce, meat, fish, fruit & vegetables, cheese, fresh sandwiches, sweets in addition to the Artisan Bakery selling a variety of freshly baked bread.

The market also has a variety of non-food stalls, haberdashery, pet food and accessories, clothing, household goods, E-cigs, shoes, bedding, cards and gifts, electrical goods, flowers and DIY to name but a few. You can then travel around the world Blackburn Market’s food court from good home cooked English food, hop on that plane to visit India, Turkey, Greece, China and then Thailand and taste authentic food.

THE MARKET HALL IN CARLISLE is one of the few remaining Victorian covered markets in the country. The Market first opened to the public in 1889 the Market has a long history yet still offers an important service to shoppers in the city centre. Located in the city’s Historic Quarter, visitors are enthralled by the building’s Victorian architecture and its colourful history. They also find themselves within walking distance of Carlisle’s beautiful cathedral, its imposing Castle and the fascinating Tullie House Museum. Home to many of the city centre small businesses the covered market is a melting pot of traditional and modern retailers brimming with an eclectic mix of quality goods and services.

So next time you’re looking for a high-quality item at a bargain price don’t bother looking online, save yourself the hassle by simply popping into your local market and support your neighbours and town!

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NorthernLife May/June 2022