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Love Your Local Market campaign showcases Loughborough Market and traders – Latest News – News Updates
Published: Fri 15th May, 2026
Photo shows Lou Cavner – Cavner Brothers Fishmongers, Cllr Jenni Tillotson – Charnwood Borough Council’s Lead Member for Housing, Economic Development, Regeneration and Town Centres, Shradha Sanal – Akidat, Andy Smith – Smiths Fruit and Veg at Loughborough Market
It’s time to show your love and support for Loughborough Market as part of Love Your Local Market campaign which starts today. (Friday, 15 May)
Charnwood Borough Council is supporting the campaign and using it as an opportunity to encourage people to visit the market and highlight traders with a new section on the Discover Charnwood website.
Discover Charnwood is the destination brand for the area, launched by the borough council to showcase Charnwood’s unique story and support local tourism.
The Love Your Local Market campaign is run by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) and takes place between Friday,15 May and Saturday, 30 May.
Cllr Jenni Tillotson, the Council’s Lead Member for Housing, Economic Development, Regeneration and Town Centres said: “We are extremely proud of the historic Loughborough Market and its traders.
“The market has a rich history and sits at the heart of the town. It offers a wide variety of products from fresh produce and confectionery to household goods as well as adding atmosphere and colour to the town.
“It also has a positive impact on our local economy and brings thousands of people into Loughborough each week.
“It’s great to see Loughborough Market and traders featured on the Discover Charnwood website which showcases what the area has to offer to both local people and visitors.
“Lots of traders have been part of the market for many years and we have seen a number of new ones join recently. I would encourage people to make an extra special effort to visit and support them all.”
The Discover Charnwood website features over 50 regular market traders and more information can be found at discovercharnwood.co.uk/loughborough-market
Loughborough town centre hosts a retail market every Thursday and Saturday and it is one of the largest outdoor markets in the region. A vintage market takes place in the town every Friday.
The Council also organises a market in Shepshed every Friday.
An artisan market takes place on the third Sunday each month and brings a variety of stalls filled with farmers produce, arts and handmade gifts.
The second annual Food Fest & Artisan Market will take place on Sunday, 17 May and bring a mix of street food vendors, artisan food and drink producers, and independent local businesses.
A number of improvements have been made to Loughborough Market Place in recent years.
These have included investment in new market stalls and upgrades to the electrical infrastructure. Major improvements have also recently been made to the public toilets in Market Place.
Lou Cavner of Cavner Brothers Fishmongers has been standing at Loughborough Market for over 50 years. He said: “I’m proud to have been part of this historic market since I was 17 years old.
“I enjoy catching up with customers every week as well as meeting new ones, so please do come along and see us. We’re here whatever the weather!
“There is a brilliant atmosphere in the town on market day and a wide variety of stalls and produce on offer.”
Shradha Sanal from Akidat sells handmade bags, purses and jewellery and became a regular trader after trying her hand on a Loughborough KickStart Market. She said: “The kickstart market was a fantastic step into becoming a regular trader. It gave me an opportunity to give it a go as well as the confidence to grow my business.
“I absolutely love being a market trader. It’s hard work and a certain way of life but I look forward to seeing my fellow traders who have been really welcoming. It’s like a community of its own which I am proud to be part of”
Andy Smith from Smiths Fruit and Veg added: “We are proud to stand at Loughborough Market each week. Our family business has been part of it for over 50 years and we appreciate all of our customers who come along and support us and our fellow traders.”
If you are interested in in trying your hand at being a market trader, the Council runs its Try a Trade scheme.
This offers new sole traders who are setting up a new business the opportunity to get their first day of trading for free and then the next 12 consecutive weeks at half price. For more details, visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/try_a_trade
The Council will be sharing a range of photographs and video about Loughborough Markets on its social media channels during the Love Your Local Market campaign.
For more information about the Love Your Local Market campaign visit www.facebook.com/loveyourlocalmarket
In 1221, a young King Henry III granted a Royal Charter to Hugh le Despenser, the Lord of the manor, to hold a weekly Thursday market and an annual fair in Loughborough.
