Market set to spring into action
AHOST of activities will boost businesses and encourage families to explore a town, its market and shops.
Bacup Inspires – Spring has Sprung will begin this Friday, just after schools break up for half-term. On that evening the popular Grub’s Up foodie evening market will be held.
There will be a host of family-friendly events throughout the week.
These will include special storytime sessions at Bacup Library, and Bacup Natural History Society will be hosting a mini fossil fest on Wednesday from 1.30pm-4pm. On the weekend of February 19-20 Dr Worrall’s Cabinet of Curiosities will be open from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Kathy Fishwick, chair of Rossendale Civic Trust, will lead ‘Horrible History’ walks, with factual information provided by historian Wendy Lord from Bacup Nat.
The walks will then be available for people to download and walk independently.
Bacup Business Association
(BBA) has been working with stallholders on Bacup Market for six months to support the traders and seek ways to enhance the market’s offer, as we reported last week.
In October, a huge event was held organised by events company Culturapedia when lively music was provided by the Ski Band, along with a variety of other entertainers, and a Makers’ Market was introduced which proved very popular.
Rachel Weinhold, chair of BBA, said: “The purpose of all the events we have been involved in, and those we are planning for February half-term, has been to increase footfall in the town and boost trade for the local shops, services and businesses.
“We want the market to be the central focus, but it is hoped that the activities will also encourage visitors to venture out into the surrounding streets to see what else Bacup has to offer.
“The Inspires event will hopefully benefit other businesses, organisations and attractions including Bacup Natural History Museum, Bacup Library and Bacup Royal Court Theatre. All of the events will target families and children, but they will also have a general appeal for all generations.”
At the end of half-term, on Saturday, February 19, a large event will feature children’s craft activities provided by Brush and Pencil, a ceramic painting stall, willow weaving and a special stall telling stories to children. Britannia Coconutters will be dancing around the stalls.
Rachel added: “We are grateful to Bacup Cultural Consortium for funding the cost of flyers which will be distributed to local schools and given out to children to promote the event, and we have also received funding from Bacup High Streets Heritage Action Zone for market activities.”
Bacup Business Association re-formed about four years ago and now has 150 active members. Monthly meetings are held in the local area to tackle a range of topics that are relevant and of concern to local businesses.
Updates and more attractions will be publicised through local Facebook pages and groups. To find out more contact bacupbusinessassociation@gmail.com.