ACROSS East Lancashire, market day has always meant something special.

These were the days when there was a real buzz in the town centre from the early hours as the stalls were being set up to the end of the day when market traders would try to persuade last minute shoppers to buy up the last of their stock.

These photographs show Blackburn market in 1964 shortly before the town centre redevelopments began. Then it was situated in the market place - in effect where much of the Mall is now.

A large ‘tented village’ of stalls would spring up around the market hall itself with the sound of clanking supports being swiftly erected and canvas roofs being lashed into place.

You could find anything on Blackburn market from food, clothing, household items and gifts. It was like the most comprehensive department store where each stallholder had a friendly word and often a wisecrack or two to brighten up your day.

At the end of the day the ‘market army’ would reappear, the stalls would come down and be stored away- until the next market day.