THIS week Whitehaven Town Council hosted the monthly Summer Traders' Markets in the town centre. 

The markets were held on Thursday, August 25, in St Nicholas Gardens on Lowther Street. 

These events aim to bring more people into the town centre and introduce new business ideas to the high street. 

Whitehaven Town Council said: "The markets were very good, and the traders were happy. There was low public footfall but that's part and parcel of the problems in the town centre. 

"The one thing the markets do is bring a few extra people in on the day. The next one is at the end of August and we're hoping to get a bouncy castle there, so hopefully there will be something for the youngsters. 

"All of these events give a helping hand to shops in the town, just like the Pride by the Harbourside event next week. Anything that reminds people that the high street is still here is a good thing as it gives people an excuse to come to Whitehaven. 

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"All of these markets, whether they are the Town Council ones or Teg, all have some nice, original, stalls.

"We had a brilliant trader at the markets yesterday called Warwick Bridge, who make their own bread. 

"A proper baker is something that we're lacking in Whitehaven, so to have one come once a month and sell fresh goods is always going to be popular. 

"The markets offer an opportunity to fill a gap in the market from what the town currently offers."

Along with the markets, Pride by the Harbourside is another highly anticipated event of the summer. 

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Last year's event proved to be popular amongst the public and brought thousands to the area. 

For the 2024 event, the much-loved boy band Blue will be performing on the harbour car park stage near Tesco. 

The Town Council added: "Whilst this event will be on the harbour, the high street will still benefit as members of the public will pass through the centre on the way to the harbour and will likely head into the shops and cafes."