Love your Local Market fortnight is about to kick-off in Mansfield with free entertainment and a series of specialist markets.

The promotion, with fun for all the family, begins on Tuesday 17 May and continues until Tuesday 31 May.

Shoppers will have a chance to win £20 to spend at Mansfield Market by taking part in a quiz and entering a prize draw. Activity sheets, which include competitions for all ages, will be available throughout the fortnight. They can be picked up from Mansfield Museum, Mansfield Bus Station or market traders.

There will also be free entertainment in the Market Place including craft sessions, cookery demonstrations as well as a Covent Garden entertainer. Free Mansfield Market re-usable shopping bags will be given out with purchases (subject to availability).

Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services Cllr Stewart Rickersey said: “We hope families in the town will support their local market and market traders at Love Your Local Market fortnight. There will be lots going on for all ages so why come along, enjoy a great day out and grab a bargain while you are here, too.”

The campaign comes at a time when Mansfield Market has undergone a revamp with new, improved stalls, more events and new seating and performance areas.

As part of the project the council is offering traders with new product lines the opportunity to take a stall rent-free for a year as part of its Business Incubation Scheme.

Timetable of events

Wednesday 18 May: Baby and children’s speciality market selling pre-loved children’s toys, books, clothes and equipment. There will be entertainment for youngsters laid on by Sure Start, Mansfield Museum and Mansfield Library.

Friday 20 May: Local Business showcase, local businesses will be trading on Mansfield Market for the day.

Saturday 21 May: Arts and craft market with homemade products, crafts, gifts and food. The entertainment will include crochet sessions with Yankee Yarns, food demonstrations with the award-winning Nottinghamshire butcher, Johnny Pusztai, and face painting.

Saturday 28 May: Family Fun Day at the market with face painting, furry friends from White Post Farm, a May Pole Dancing workshop, and West Nott’s college will be hosting a DJ set with a number of music and music technology students performing. The Four Season’s Shopping Centre is also sponsoring this month’s Covent Garden entertainer who will be breath-taking escapologist A J James who can knife juggle on a balance board and escape from chains.

Tuesday 30 May: Environment Day with stalls taken by local environment organisations

The special markets run from 8.30am to 4pm alongside usual market stalls, which include fresh produce, clothing and pet items. Stalls at the specialist markets can be booked by calling 01623 463818.

More information about what’s on at Mansfield Market along with details about how to rent a market stall for free can be found at www.mansfieldmarket.co.uk.

The Love your Local Market promotion is part of a national campaign spearheaded by www.loveyourlocalmarket.gb.com with support from the National Association of British Market Authorities.