Special events to show love for local market

Barrow seen from the Furness hills, with the Irish Sea and wind turbines in the background

A fabulous free fun day for all the family is in store at Barrow Market on Friday 31 May.

Local traders, entertainers, culture and much more will available at the market's next outdoor market event, which is being held from 10am to 4pm as part of the national Love Your Local Market Fortnight 2024.

The outdoor stall holders will be joining Barrow Market Hall’s 23 traders to showcase the area’s wealth of independent businesses and encourage people to shop locally.  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.

Joining the independent businesses inside the market will be 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.

Also there will be Professor Pumpernickel from 11am, Signal Films' Psychogeology Family Day from 11am until 5pm, international saxophonist Emma Howarth will be playing between 11.30am and 1.30pm and facepainting by Hannah from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

Cllr Virginia Taylor, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities, said: "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 great 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 include singing from Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Choir on Wednesday 22 May from 1.30pm to 2.30pm and from Cambridge Primary School Choir on Friday 24 May from 10am to 10.30am.

Also on May 24, Touchline Disco DJ Phil will be on the decks from 11am to 3pm. Then, on Wednesday 29 May from 11.30am to 2.30pm there will be a live performance from popular local musician David Duffin, who also shares a market stall with his sister, Mel, and her partner.