Blackburn Market launch a success!

11th July 2011

CELEBRITY chef Nigel Haworth cooked up a storm at the official opening of Blackburn Market on Saturday.

The Michelin star chef and regular on BBC's Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen was joined by Blackburn MP, Jack Straw, and Mayor of Blackburn, Councillor Karimeh Foster, to unveil the new market plaque.

Customers were treated to croissants, coffee and sweet treats at the event as Mr Haworth, owner of Northcote Manor, and the community leaders delivered their speeches.

Councillor Foster, said the new market was the final piece of the jigsaw in the Mall regeneration scheme. She said:

“Congratulations to all the traders and today we celebrate bringing the market into the 21st century. Best wishes to all those who have moved over to the new building. This fantastic new facility is a result of all the hard work by the council and the mall."

Cheers rang through the market hall as Mr Haworth revealed the plaque. He said:

“It is vital to use local produce and the food in this market is of the highest quality. The traders have to be applauded for their hard work in making the market a brilliant place to shop.”

All areas of the new £8million market are now fully open.

Mr Straw, said: “We needed a decent environment for shopping as the state of the previous market was getting really poor. It has been real battle to get investment into the area but we have finally achieved it.

“Some traders have found the transition difficult but I hope they will join us when they see how successful it has been. I would also like to thank the traders for their confidence in making this market what it is and the price and quality of the food here is amongst the best in the country.”

Following the speeches Nigel gave an hour-long cooking demonstration.

Hessian ‘bags for life’ were given away to shoppers, who tasted free food samples from stalls while youngsters enjoyed free face painting, sarsaparilla sweets, a children’s entertainer and being photographed with a giant sausage mascot.

Vue Cinema, Blackburn Ice Arena and Capita ran competitions, East Lancashire Hospice hosted a prize tombola and Blackburn Rovers staff offered the chance to win two season tickets.

Morris dancers joined the festivities in the afternoon and 500 balloons were released into the sky on Church Street to mark the launch.