The outdoor stall holders will join the 23 traders of Barrow Market Hall to showcase the area’s wealth of independent businesses and encourage the community to shop locally. Both the outdoor and indoor markets are operated by Westmorland and Furness Council.

Now in its thirteenth year, the National Association of British Market Authorities’ ‘Love Your Local Market’ campaign celebrates the heart of local communities through vibrant markets, exciting promotions, new business initiatives, and engaging local participation.

Visitors can look forward to an array of independent businesses, including Coffee D’Ash, Christine’s Kitchen, Yummy Delicious Cakes, Kick Ass Cheese, Handmade by Helen, Flora & Luna Floristry, Just Wuf, Goodness Gracious Gifts, Bellyboy Blacksmith, Flicker Handmade by Lisa, and Blingalynn.

The event will also feature special attractions:

• Professor Pumpernickel from 11am
• Signal Films’ Psychogeology Family Day from 11am to 5pm
• International saxophonist Emma Howarth playing between 11.30am and 1.30pm
• Face painting by Hannah from 12.30pm to 3.30pm

Cllr Virginia Taylor, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities, commented: “Barrow loves its local market and that is why we are committed to revitalising the market and the surrounding area as part of the £17.5 million Barrow Town Centre Regeneration Scheme. This event on Friday, 31 May is another great showcase for the fantastic independent businesses there, with many others coming together for the day and some wonderful entertainment to boot.”

Other events throughout the fortnight at Barrow Market have included:

• Singing from Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Choir on Wednesday, 22 May from 1.30pm to 2.30pm
• Singing from Cambridge Primary School Choir on Friday, 24 May from 10am to 10.30am
• Touchline Disco DJ Phil on the decks on 24 May from 11am to 3pm
• A live performance from popular local musician David Duffin on Wednesday, 29 May from 11.30am to 2.30pm

Come and join the celebration at Barrow Market and support your local traders during Love Your Local Market Fortnight!