New artisan market proves a hit in Burnley

Burnley’s new artisan market proved a hit on Saturday 4th September as visitors headed into town to browse the wide range of stalls and support local businesses.

In total 45 traders attended on the day selling everything from craft gins and home bakes to clothing, jewellery and plants.

The event, which will also take place in October, November and December on the first Saturday of each month, was delivered in a partnership between Burnley Business Improvement District (BID), Burnley Council and Independent Street.

Its aim is to not only champion the talents and creativity of local businesses but to also bring visitors into Burnley from the wider East Lancashire area to help people discover everything that the town has to offer.

Held on St James’s Street near to Charter Walk, the market received footfall all day from 10am-4pm, with the event’s mantra of shopping and spending local clearly resonating with people from Burnley and beyond.

Burnley BID project manager Andrew Dean was delighted with how the event went, commenting: “As a new initiative featuring unique products made by independent businesses, we hoped the market would entice plenty of visitors and we were thrilled with the turnout on the day.

“It was great to see so many people spending local and we now look forward to the other events in October, November and December which will no doubt feature some fantastic seasonal produce and gift ideas.”

Independent Street’s Lisa Cowley added to Andrew’s sentiments, saying: “We were so happy to deliver this event in Burnley and provide a platform for local Lancashire businesses to make a name for themselves. The market was buzzing all day too and we couldn’t have really asked for a better launch.

“September’s event may have only just ended but we’re already looking forward to the next one on Saturday 2nd October – make sure you’ve got the date in your diary!”

Councillor Afrasiab Anwar, leader of Burnley Council, said: "It was great to see the buzz of excitement the first artisan market brought to Burnley town centre.

"The stalls were really busy and we've had some wonderful positive feedback from members of the public. This is about encouraging people to come into the town centre and shop local by visiting other shops while they are here, as well as bringing in new visitors from a wide area.

"The markets are running every first Saturday of the month up to Christmas and I'm sure they will just get more and more popular."

For more reaction to the artisan market, make sure you check out the Discover Burnley Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverBurnleyBID.