New Preston Markets Manager, Mark Beck, has taken up his role.

With nearly 20 years’ experience managing several markets in and around Wigan, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge with him and has already booked various events including interactive street theatre, roaming entertainers and more.  

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Mark, who lives with his young family in St Helens, is looking forward to getting stuck into his new role.

He said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed as Preston’s new Markets Manager. Preston has a rich history as a market town, and it is a privilege to be able to contribute to and help shape the future of Preston Markets.   

“Markets are the oldest form of exchange and deliver many benefits, not just economically but also the social values and community cohesion that they encourage.   

“I think markets are great places for local businesses to try out new ideas, a hub for groups to engage with their communities and for performance areas, to entertain and showcase talent.”

There are many events scheduled for Preston Markets over the next few weeks after The Love Your Local Market campaign began on Friday 13 May.

A nationwide celebration of local markets and their unique contribution to local communities, this year’s campaign runs until 5 June, leading right up to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend.

Read more: Shopping local at Preston Market

Councillor Robert Boswell, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community, said:  “I am delighted to welcome Mark to the Preston Markets team and thrilled that we have appointed someone with Mark’s abilities, ideas, and wonderful attitude.

“Preston Markets is an incredible local market which provides a valuable service to the people of Preston. When the Covid lockdowns began in 2020, supermarkets were struggling to keep up with demand for fresh produce.  

“During those uncertain times, hardworking market traders in Preston and across the country stepped in to ensure that a variety of locally sourced, fresh produce was available from other local businesses such as farmers and growers. These were then delivered directly to the doors of local people, some of whom were finding the pandemic difficult to cope with. 

“The Love Your Local Markets campaign gives us all a chance to celebrate our local markets and to show support for traders. By shopping at Preston Market, people can support local families and keep their hard-earned money within the local community.

“The events that Mark has arranged sound like they are just the ticket, for a fun-filled family day out in Preston. To top it all off, we have the Queen’s Jubilee Weekend with Preston Market Hall open on Saturday 4 June.” 

Read more: Jubilee Spending Spree will give away £28,000 to lucky Preston customers

The Market Hall will be closed on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June, although individual traders may vary. The Market Hall will be open again as usual from Saturday 4 June. 

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