A MARKET celebrating the vintage style and independent traders from across the north west was visited by hundreds of people.

A blue sky covered Darwen as its makers market displayed a variety of goods on the town's new market square.

Around 40 stalls featured pies, clothes, garlands, environmentally friendly gifts and more.

Lancashire Telegraph:

There was non stop live entertainment featured Darwen School of Music, acoustic musicians Steven Buckley and Denise Morgan as well as a performance from Just Imagine UK.

Blackburn with Darwen Council worked with Crafty Vintage to organise the fair as part of the build-up for the Darwen Live weekend, which will see several headline acts such as 1990s favourite Sleeper performing today.

Acts such as 1980s pop-punk princess Toyah will bring the free event to a close tomorrow night.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Helen Giles, from Darwen, said: "It's been a great day and the family has had a lot of fun.

"The stalls were very good and we bought a few bits, including a pie for my husband."

The event had something for everyone with some of the finest makers, creators, collectors, and vintage enthusiasts in the land.

Customers took advantage of the gin bar and beer tent and were able to enjoy a music theatre workshop, a street dance and a Willy Wonka-style children's entertainment event.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Laura Johnson, owner of Crafty Vintage, said: "Everything you can buy here you can't get from a big company.

"Almost everything is entirely handmade and it's all from businesses across the north west.

"We wanted to take advantage of the beautiful market square.

"I'm proud of all the hard work which has gone into this market."

Lancashire Telegraph:

Gemma Johnson, from Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We hope to make this an annual event as it has proved again to be really popular.

"It's a family orientated event which will lead into the Darwen Live festival.

"There's something for little ones and adults which I think is a key to getting people into the town square."

Lancashire Telegraph:

The event was held on the new market square which opened earlier this month.

The former three-day market site now boasts an open space with a large copper peregrine falcon, which is a nod towards the birds which are known to nest in the town’s India Mill building and Darwen’s weaving heritage.