SHOPPERS had bags of fun on Market Day.

As well as picking up everything from fresh produce to specialist foods and handmade crafts and jewellery they enjoyed a festival atmosphere as they shopped.

To celebrate The Love Your Local Market Campaign, Bolton Markets put on a feast of attractions for all the family.

The weekend of fun started on Saturday in Bolton Market with a series of cookery demonstrations which took place in the Lifestyle Hall, when traders from Nkono and Shima Rice N Oodles rustled up dishes.

And floral experts from Plantations delivered masterclasses on how to put arrangements together.

The Rock Choir provided the entertainment with children have their face painted for free.

Special guests flew into the monthly Artisan Market in Heaton to join in the Love Your Local Market yesterday.

Shoppers to the popular market came face-to-face with birds of prey thanks to a visit by Gary's Feathered Friends.

And spring was in full bloom to the delight of visitors, with a new stall selling a collection of Alstromeria flowers, including Indian Summer, and a fantastic selection of colourful bedding plants.

Singer Retro Parade entertained visitors while children played in a special area just for them.

Brian Hood, from Signature Soaps, said: "The Artisan Market has been going for two years and it has built up steadily.

"The traders have regular customers and enjoy coming here because it has a nice atmosphere, which is important.

"The Love Your Local Market Campaign with the different attractions helps to bring people who have not been before or may not have known there is a market.

"Traders share their passion about what they do with the customers."

The market is held at at Heaton Fold Garden Centre on the third Sunday of every month.

Find out more by visiting Bolton Council website.