The Local Life

Markets have been around for centuries. Before actual shops and supermarkets, market stalls were the only places to get your essential goods

Whenever I’m on holiday I always try and visit the local market. Not only does it help get to know a bit about the local area and the local people, but you can often pick up some real bargains that you won’t see anywhere else.

In the olden days, markets were used to barter and exchange goods for other goods as people had no money.

Anything from animals to herbs and spices were sold, and it was also a chance for everyone to meet up and catch up on the latest news.

Today they are still a vibrant, bustling place to visit. Preston’s market hall is just one market that has seen investment and is thriving. Both indoors and outdoors, this is a place bursting with independent traders from fish stalls, to cafes, flowers to second hand goods. It really is a place you can spend a good couple of hours.

Heskin Hall Shopping Village in Heskin is a destination venue to visit. It features more than 50 unique shops all under one roof, from crafts to local produce it is a place that offers something different.

Garstang’s market dates back to the early 1300’s and the days of Edward II and the Market Cross at the top of the High Street is one of the most familiar landmarks in the area.

The traditional weekly outdoor market is held every Thursday. This popular market stretches the length of the High Street offering a variety of stalls offering everything you need from children’s clothes to plants and household goods.

Chorley is also famous for its markets, which date back to 1498 – the most popular market day in the Lancashire town is Tuesday.

There is a covered market, which makes up the heart of the town and operates five days a week and Chorley’s Tuesday market, which is now located along the streets of Chorley town centre, sees everyone’s favourite stalls lining Fazakerley Street, Chapel Street, New Market Street, Cleveland Street and the bottom half of High Street.

With more than 150 stalls, demand for stalls is high for those traders who wish to trade.

If you can, shop local and visit your local markets. Not only will you be supporting the economy, but you might pick up a bargain, as well as enjoying a chat with your friendly market trader.

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Tedd Walmsley

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Tedd Walmsley managing director of Live Magazines shares his views on the latest topics in media.

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