National recognition for Lancashire Market event

The popular event, held three times a year on Preston’s Friargate, reached the finals of the National Association of British Market Authorities (NAMBA) awards in the Best Love Your Local Market Event category.

Lancashire was pipped to the post by its Warrington counterparts at the awards, the results of which were announced by Marcus Jones MP, the Minster for High Streets.

Love Your Local Market is a celebration of the country’s market culture, which happens annually.

More than 1,200 markets take part in the campaign, celebrating more than 7,000 events and market days. 

Andrea Mellon, restaurateur and member of the Business Improvement District (BID) Committee said: “We’re delighted that the Lancashire Market, an inception of the BID back in 2010, has been officially recognised by leading experts.

“The Lancashire Market is a hugely popular event that has seen tens of thousands of people visit the event and moreover, our great city centre. 

“Preston has a long and historical connection with markets and as such, it’s vital that all quarters of the community, from business to residents alike, continue to support such vital community hubs.”

The Lancashire Market was introduced by the BID to promote the city centre as a destination, to increase footfall, provide an additional trading platform for city centre businesses and promote the outstanding produce Lancashire exports across the region.

The next Lancashire Market takes place on Easter Saturday, March 26, from 10am to 5pm.