Love Your Local Market

Between 17 and 31 May 2018, markets all over the country will showcase their traders, celebrate their heritage, produce, crafts and food and will shine a spotlight on the important role that markets play in our towns.

Now in its 7th year, the annual initiative grew out of the Portas review in 2012 as a one day event. Today the campaign has grown to become a global campaign with over 3000 events taking place in 17 countries in 2018.

This year’s Love Your Local Market theme is ‘Close to Your Heart’.

National Association of British Markets Association President, Chris Rosling Joseph said: "This year’s theme, Markets: Close to Your Heart reflects the importance of markets as the beating heart of communities across our villages, towns and cities."

Harborough Market will kick off the fortnight with a live HFM broadcast at the Food Fair on the Square on Thursday 17 May 2018. Tune in or come down to support the traders and learn a little more about them.

On Tuesday 22 May 2018, the market opens its doors to 56 children from Meadowdale Primary School. Cherry and Oak class will learn about the history of the market and have been set a challenge to write or draw what they love the most about their local market.

The market is also inviting children to come along to the market on Thursday 31 May 2018 10.30am to 2.30pm for a Star Wars crafting event. Running alongside the weekly Craft Market, children can have a go at making a lightsaber or a mask.

Cllr Neil Bannister, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “The campaign offers the opportunity to hold events and to reach out to the community, but the overarching message during the fortnight is that markets are a valuable addition to any community. They provide an affordable way into business, offer great value, varied, quality products and they provide a relaxed environment in which to shop, eat and socialise.”

Harborough Market is open 8am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday for the popular Sunday Antiques Market.

Lutterworth Market takes place in Market Place, Lutterworth, every Thursday.