BLACKBURN’S thriving new market is set for a day of celebration to mark its official opening on Saturday, July 8.

Bosses said the £8million new facility had proved an ‘instant hit’ with 13,000 people per day visiting.

And since it opened on June 1, 11 new stalls have opened, bringing the total filled to 86 out of 127 plots.

Council bosses said more new tenants would be in place soon as they were continuing to interview potential stallholders.

Northcote joint manager director Nigel Haworth, who has appeared on BBC's Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen, will officially open the market on Saturday at 10am.

Mr Howarth will then give a cooking demonstration until 11am, before the Bee Radio’s roadshow will provide music and entertainment.

There will also be free face painting and a children’s entertainer.

At 11.45am the new Blackburn Market Mascot will be unveiled and the winning designer awarded a prize.

Throughout the day there will be a number of prize giveaways including from Blackburn Rovers FC who will be offering the chance to win two season tickets, Vue Cinema, Blackburn Ice Arena and Capita.

Morris dancing takes place from 2pm, and the day will be rounded off with the release of 500 balloons in Church Street at 4pm.

Coun Dave Harling, executive member for regeneration, said: “I encourage people to come to the event and celebrate the new market and its truly excellent range of goods and traders all offering a friendly, attentive service.

"It’s fantastic to see so many people continuing to use the new market.

"It has been a resounding success so far.”