A TOWN’S new market has attracted artisan vendors from all over the North West to come and sell their hand-crafted goods.

Blackburn welcomed a new town centre shopping experience for the first time on Saturday with an artisan market that attracted both vendors and buyers from all over.

The new fortnightly market, which takes place on Ainsworth Street close to the bus station, saw vendors selling cheese, fudges, handmade clothes, jewellery and knick-knacks.

Helen and Steve, owners of yoyo children’s wear, travelled from East Yorkshire to bring their handmade children’s attire to a new audience.

Speaking about the market, Steve said: “It has been a great day so far, we’ve had a lot of interest.

“We think it is fantastic to see a markets like this one popping up - it’s exactly what town’s like Blackburn need.”

Nikki Parsons, from Padiham, is the owner of Nikki’[s Book Folding Frenzy, a unique business that makes recycled hardback books into pictures, words and images.

She said: “I will be coming back to the market in the future, it has been a really positive experience.”

Mandy Garcia, from Artisan Network, who are organising the markets, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing artisan markets to Blackburn Town Centre. We’ve seen Blackburn transform itself over recent years and this market will be a place to showcase both traditional crafting & culinary skills.

“With Blackburn Market right alongside, it will be a fabulous opportunity to enjoy a great day and support all the small businesses at the same time.”

Cllr Jamie Groves, Assistant Executive Member for Growth and Development at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: “This initiative is part of our plans and ambitions to build on the fact that markets and independent traders have become increasingly popular over recent years. The aim is to get a good quality mix to compliment what is already happening in town.”

The market aims to be different each fortnight and will encourage creatives from the local area to take part in bringing “handmade to the high street.”

Anyone interested in having a stall at this event should email info@artisannetwork.co.uk