A VICTORIAN Market Hall which has lit up a town's main square for decades will celebrate its 150th birthday later this month.

The Grade II-listed building in the centre of Accrington will host an anniversary party on Saturday October 26 complete with its own cake.

This will be one of several birthday celebrations including exhibitions of photos and other memorabilia.

The Market Hall was commissioned in 1867 and designed by architect James Francis Doyle, also responsible for Liverpool's Royal Insurance Building. It cost £19,000.

The corner stone was laid in May 1868 by S Dugdale and its opened in October 1869.

Its Tuesday market was established on April 16 1872.

Although the origin of Accrington’s market is unknown, the court roll of November 1547 records a 'corn market' from the early 16th century until the early 19th century at Lower Fold.

One of the finest buildings in the town centre, The Market Hall underwent a £2m restoration completed in 2010.

The exterior of the Market Hall and its Victorian neighbour, Accrington Town Hall, are both illuminated in the evenings after the £3m 2018 Town Square revamp.

Market staff have been collecting historic materials including posters, plans, and photos to create the exhibitions.

On October 26, the square outside will host a vintage-themed funfair and noon birthday proclamation by Town Crier Rawden Kerr.

At 12.45pm inside the Market Hall the Mayor, Cllr June Harrison, will cut a birthday cake and open the anniversary displays.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said: “Accrington a wealth of heritage and the Market Hall is one of the stunning buildings in the heart of our town. The 150th anniversary celebrate both its proud heritage and its traders."