Blackburn Market prepares for official launch

8th July 2011

 

Blackburn with Darwen Council has released a full programme of events for this Saturday’s official launch of the new £8m Blackburn Market.

The event, on Saturday July 9, will star celebrity chef, Nigel Haworth – a Michelin Star chef and star of the BBC's Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen.

Kicking off at 9.30am, the event will start with speeches from Blackburn with Darwen Mayor, Councillor Karimeh Foster, the Council’s executive member for Regeneration, Councillor Dave Harling and the Rt. Hon. Jack Straw MP.

Nigel Haworth will then give a speech at 9.50am before unveiling the new market plaque just before 10am.

Then from 10am, all areas of the market will be fully open and Nigel will give a cooking demonstration until 11am.

From 11am, the Bee Radio’s roadshow will be on hand to provide music and entertainment.

There will be a hessian bag giveaway, free face painting and a children’s entertainer.

At 11.45am the unveiling of the new Blackburn Market Mascot will also be made with the winning designer awarded a prize. The Mall Monster and Market Federation Mascot will also be on hand to provide fun and games for youngsters.

At 12.15pm, the Market’s welcome banner competition winner will be presented with a prize as will the ‘name the café area’ competition winner.

Throughout the day there will be a number of prize giveaways including those from Blackburn Rovers FC who will be offering the chance to win two season tickets, Vue Cinema, Blackburn Ice Arena and Capita.

At 1pm there will be an opportunity to interview traders who will also be advertising giveaways.

There will be Morris Dancing at 2pm and the event will be rounded off with the release of 500 Balloons into the sky on Church Street to mark market launch day at 4pm.

The new market has proven an instant hit with shoppers, with 13,000 people per day are visiting it all there to sample the high quality food and non-food offer.

86 stalls are now signed up: 15 food, 48 non-food, eight cafes, nine serviced food stalls and six mini-shops, the new market has been a hive of activity.

The Council is continuing to interview potential new stallholders.

Councillor Dave Harling, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “I encourage people to come to the event and celebrate the new market and its truly excellent range of goods and traders all offering a friendly, attentive service. It’s fantastic to see so many people continuing to use the new market. It has been a resounding success so far.”

Nigel Haworth said: “I am delighted to be part of the official opening. The market offers a great platform for our regional producers, growers and suppliers to showcase their great products. Pennine Lancashire offers some of the best produce in the North West and it is only right that Blackburn Market continues to be the hub of the community. I look forward to the event on July 9.”