Picnics and egg hunts at Easter Lancashire Market

The Lancashire Market, now in its sixth year, is returning to Friargate on Easter Saturday, showcasing food, drinks and goods from across the county.

Visitors can meet producers selling local products and enjoy giant outdoor games in a picnic garden, and will also be offered goody bags.

Manager of Preston’s Business Improvement District (BID), Mark Whittle, said: “Ever since the Lancashire Market was launched, the BID has said this is a way of not only attracting people to a great event, but an opportunity for Preston to showcase itself.

“Our research has shown that many people who are attracted to the city centre by the Lancashire Market do stay and visit other retail and leisure businesses, therefore supporting the local economy.

“Working with the Healthy High Street team, the city is pulling out all the stops to ensure that those visiting Preston on Easter Saturday have an enjoyable time.”

Andrea Mellon, restaurateur and member of the BID committee, added: “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, a thrice-annual special event, takes place on Friargate and was introduced by the BID to promote the city centre as a destination, to increase footfall, to boost businesses and promote local produce.