Following on from the Portas Review last December and her pledge to revive the highstreet, she highlighted the importance of markets to the local economy and community that we live in.

The market industry quickly responded to this with 'Love Your Market Fortnight' and this will take place from 23rd June-8th July and all market operators in Bolton have been given a chance to get involved.

The event this year is getting really exciting as Apprentice finalist Adam Corbally is coming back to Bolton to give the event his backing. Adam is supporting the event nationally and will talk to aspiring young traders and entrepreneurs on the launch day 23rd June.

Bolton Market is one of Britains oldest food markets and recently has won a number of accolades including 'Best Food Market' in the prestigious Radio 4 Food and Farming Awards and Westhoughton recently won 'Best Indoor Market'.

Bolton Council has also recently announced a 4.5 million pound investment in the market. 

Adam will be giving talks at  10am, 12pm and 2pm in the Town Hall. Places are free, but are on a first come, first served basis.

Celebrity chef Simon Rimmer will also be in town to celebrate Bolton’s markets.

The star chef, from Channel 4′s Sunday Brunch, will be in town on National Market Day (June 23) to launch the Love Your Local Market fortnight in Bolton.

Bolton Council is also seeking budding entrepreneurs to test out market trading.

A pop-up market will be created on Deansgate on June 23, and on Victoria Square from June 25 to June 29. Pitches will cost £10 per day and designed for those who are new to market trading.

Pitches will be up for grabs on June 30 at Farnworth Market, and on July 7 at Westhoughton Market. Pitches will cost £5.

Examples of products that could be sold include: handmade crafts, food goods, services such as shoe shining, and second-hand goods such as books, toys, computer games and CDs.

The closing date for these pitches has now passed but get yourself down there and support the traders, you never know, you may just bag a bargain

Whats on during the fortnight

Sat 23rd June- National Market Day Celebrity Chef Simon Rimmer launches the event and doing cookery demonstrations in Bolton town centre as well as markets on Deansgate and street entertainment 

Sun 24th June- Local produce market at Queens Park

Mon25th-Fri 29th June 10am-4pm- Local market continues in Victoria Square 

Sat 30th June- Love Your Market Farnworth

Sat 7th July- Love Your Market Westhoughtong