We're friendly folk in Lancashire you know, always giving a warm welcome to any visitor and it really is a place where everyone matters. This true Lancastrian spirit was on full display when we finally made our way to Great Harwood Farmers Market a couple of Sunday's ago,with lots of friendly and welcoming stall holders, this fantastic market has grown from humble beginnings (their first venue was the body shop of a local garage, I kid you not), the market initially the creation of Nick from Gaskell Motors as a way to raise funds for East Lancashire hospice the friendly market is growing from strength to strength month on month, so much so that the market is now held in the Town Square as the body shop couldn't cope with the volume of stalls wanting to take part.
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| Busy market |
So on a bright sunny and unseasonable warm day we arrived in Great Harwood, smack bang in the centre of town in the cute town square was the small but perfectly formed market. On chatting with the traders they all really love this market and its great because its all local Lancashire products or produce and their still raising money for some great causes too. Our senses were assailed by loads of delightful aromas and lots of foodie tit bits to try, I agree with the traders, this is my kind of market and the prices are good too.
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| Delicious sausages from Porcus |
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| Great selection of bread from All you knead |
Nick should be really proud of the market he's created and its not gone un-noticed by the powers that be either as this market was recently nominated for an award at a national level too. Nick is passionate about the good this market can do to help lift and re-energise Great Harwood, all I can say is Mary Portas step aside every town needs a Nick Gaskell ! I noticed that several local shops are also reaping the benefits of the market too, opening to service the customers coming from far and wide.
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| Sanwitches of Sabden - creators of the legendary "Malkin Pie" |
The market features some great traders and frankly unlike some farmers market you can actually get pretty much a full shop here. Bread, fish, meats, cheeses, beer, fudge, cakes, fruit and veg, chutneys,jams and lots lots more are available The market is held on the 1st Sunday of the month, opening around 8.30 and closing at about 2pm or earlier if a stallholder sells out as many do at this popular market.
The best of local ales and beers
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| I love Jams fine selection of jams and preserves |
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| The Friendly ladies from I love Jam |
On the day we visited we also spotted Stephen Lowe from BBC Radio Lancashire making a few purchases and also singing the praises of the market to anyone who would listen. All fees for the stalls are passed on to a number of local charities too, what a great idea.
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| El Gringo - Paul from Fatjax |
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| Nick and me |
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| Fudge heaven from Fudge Village |
So pay this market a visit soon, its well worth it and there is free parking too !
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