KNUTSFORD will be celebrating its markets next Friday and Saturday, May 15 and 16, as part of the national Love your Local Market campaign.

The campaign is a celebration of the UK markets industry and is in its fourth year, but this is the first time Knutsford is part of the celebrations.

The national campaign is supported by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA).

Visitors to the town’s indoor market on the two days will be treated to special offers from the traders and have the opportunity to enter a host of competitions, with some prizes provided by the traders.

Children visiting the market will be offered free balloons and badges to show their support, and on the Saturday from 10am to 2pm will be able to have their faces painted while parents explore what is on offer at the market.

“It’s all about celebrating the town’s market,” said town clerk Adam Keppel-Garner.

“Hopefully we can encourage new shoppers to visit the market and raise more awareness of what is on offer in our market hall. A key focus on the event is on meeting the independent traders running the stalls.”

Friday, May 15 also sees the third trial outdoor market from 10am to 4pm, with 13 traders offering fresh fish, garden plants and flowers, tasty pies, gourmet teas and coffee and freshly-made pizzas.

NABMA president Mick Barker said: “Love Your Local Market provides a great opportunity to show the importance of markets to the local community.”