Revitalising Thursday Markets
PEOPLE looking to enjoy the traditional market buzz are being encouraged to come to Chorley on Thursdays and bag themselves a bargain.
The popular Farmers' Market, run by Chorley Council, will be re-launched with a 'Craft and Coffee' morning in the Covered Market every third Thursday of the month.
To boost trade in the town centre existing market traders are going to open an extra day with new craft stalls coming to the town.
Councillor Peter Malpas, Chorley Council's Executive Member (Business), said: "The farmers' market has struggled through the bad weather in the winter so we wanted to give traders a boost by making it bigger and better for the summer.
"We're offering free stalls to traders for the next three specialist markets which means we'll have new traders selling a wider variety of local produce along Market Street.
"To help attract shoppers we'll also be holding a craft and coffee morning in the Covered Market with existing traders opening specially and new craft stalls coming to town."
The famous Chorley Markets are open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with the specialist Farmers' Market on the third Thursday of every month.
The open-air market is filled with the sounds of traders bellowing out their wares with revelers perusing through the many different stalls championing the very best of locally produced goods.
You can find locally made confectionery and preserves along with regional meats and savouries.
"The Thursday markets don't offer as much choice as the other market days so we wanted to change that and combine it with the Farmers' Market to provide something different for shoppers," said Coun Malpas.
"If you want to enjoy the buzz of the market atmosphere and see craftsmen demonstrating their skills come and see what's offer on the third Thursday of every month."
Market trader John Brennand, who is opening his stall on the Covered Market for an extra day, said: "We've got great markets in Chorley and we wanted to make the most of Thursdays, which can be a bit quieter than the main market days.
"By hosting a special market every third Thursday we hope to revitalise the Thursday market and see more people enjoying the traditional market atmosphere."
Many of the traders on the Covered Market will be providing special offers with demonstrations of calligraphy, jewellery making and cake decorating.
The next few Farmers' Market and Craft and Coffee mornings will take place in the Covered Market and along Market Street on Thursdays May 20, June 17 and July 15 between 9am and 2pm..
If you would like to find out more or would be interested in taking a free stall contact Chorley Council on 01257 515151.
