East Lancs markets hope to be ‘Britain's Favourite Market’

A national competition by the National Association of British Markets has opened to find the country’s top market in 2023.

Which East Lancashire Markets have made the list?

Blackburn Market

Blackburn Market has a good variety of stalls for customers to try. Whatever you want to try, it will likely be at Blackburn Market. They have black pudding, tripe, vegetables, hot food stalls, clothes, bags, shoes, cards and so much more.

Darwen Market Hall

Right in the heart of Darwen, this market rivals’ farmers markets with fresh, locally sourced produce. Meat on the market travels on average less than 2 miles from farm to stall. As well as food, there are a range of gifts, arts, crafts and more.

Accrington Indoor Market and Accrington Outdoor Market

Council ran, Accrington Indoor Market and Accrington Outdoor markets are brilliant with dozens of stalls offering a great range of products. You can pick up you weekly food shop from butchers, greengrocers and other stalls as well as confectionary, pet food and electricals. The indoor market is open six days a week.

Great Harwood Outdoor Market

In a popular town for supporting local businesses, Great Harwood holds a separate Market Charter granted by King Edward III in 1338 giving the right to hold a market on Fridays. The market therefore operates every Friday on the town gate at the junction of Queen Street, Blackburn Road and Church Street. It is open from 8am until 3.30pm.

Burnley Market Hall

Credit: Tim Bradley

Fashion, beauty, produce, technology, fast food, you name it, Burnley Market Hall has it. If you want to get a new outfit, get your nails done or pick up the Sunday Road, pop to Burnley Market Hall where you can do it all.

Nelson Outdoor Market

Following the sad closure of the Nelson Covered Market, Nelson Outdoor Market has made this years list. The market is open to buyers on Fridays from 9am until market closure which is between 4pm and 5pm dependant upon weather and season.

Colne Indoor Market and Colne Outdoor Market

The Colne Indoor Market is open six days a week from 9am until 5pm, with the market closed on a Sunday. The market has cafes, dedicated parking and having a variety of stalls. The outdoor  market is very close by and is open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 9am.

Bacup Outdoor Market

Open Wednesday & Saturday from 9am to 4pm and a Flea Market on Fridays from 9am. Bacup Market is made up of cabins and open stalls. The market sells fresh fish, fruit and veg, fresh meat, grocery and also has a café. The market also sells electricals and textiles as well as clothing. Every Friday at Bacup market becomes a flea market giving locals a chance to sell second hand goods, bric-a-brac or collectibles

Haslingden Outdoor Market

Haslingden market is made up on 12 cabins and 22 open stalls. The market has a fresh fish stand, household and outdoor goods, clothing and accessories as well as a mobile phone repair stall. The market is open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

Rawtenstall Indoor/Outdoor Market

Established in 1906 Rawtenstall Market is a characterful Market Hall with a partly covered outdoor marketplace. Market days are Thursday and Saturday between 9am and 4pm. The market has all the expected quality traditional market offerings such as fresh produce, butchers, fishmongers, deli, haberdashery.

Clitheroe Outdoor Market

A traditional market town, Clitheroe has played host to a regular market since the Norman Conquest in the 12th century. Stallholders are more than happy to chat about their products and invite local visitors and residents to come down and see the exciting opportunities that lie in front of them. The market is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

You can vote on the NABMA website and each person can vote once per day for their favourite market.

If your local market is not in the list, it can be added. Closing date for voting is midnight on Monday, December 13.