BURNLEY’s first ever artisan market is set to be held to coincide with the launch of the town’s Arts Centre.

More than 40 traders have signed up to the inaugural event on April 13.

It will be held at the £455,000 Moira Preston Building, which will open this weekend in Queen’s Park Road, beside Burnley Youth Theatre.

The opening of the building will see both venues come under the umbrella name of Burnley Arts Centre, with the aim of boosting the cultural profile of the town.

Among the stallholders to have signed up are Bacup-based Heritage Kitchen Preserves, Julie Miles Ceramics, of Barrowford, Burnley’s own Lucy Locket’s Crafts and Creations and Cranston's Fine Ales, from Ramsbottom.

Hannah Leyland, marketing assistant at Burnley Arts Centre, said: “We wanted to bring an artisan market to Burnley for the first time because there are many local people who have expressed an interest in such an event.

"There are lots of creative and talented people in the town and surrounding areas who wanted opportunities to sell their work. This is also an excellent opportunity to encourage locals to see Burnley Arts Centre as a place for them; a place where we not only provide youth theatre but also a wide range of arts events.

"We are really excited about this first artisan market next month.”

Miss Leyland said she was confident the event, which will be funded by stall fees and supported by volunteers, would be a success.

She said: “As this market is just once a month, and the commitment is an irregular one, it is not something Burnley Arts Centre will need to sustain on a day to day basis.

“For the artists and entrepreneurs who are using the stalls, this slot may just fill a gap in their busy schedules where they may create work, run workshops or visit a whole series of markets.”

Burnley Artisan Market will run from 10am to 4pm on the second Sunday of each month. Entry and on-site parking is free.