“IT IS not just about buying something - you get a story with it.”

Markets offer an entirely different experience to shoppers, as Colin Wolstenhome describes.

“It is not just about looking and buying, markets give people the chance to meet the producers and traders and talk about where the products have come from and how they have been produced.”

He adds: “Markets are very convenient, offering affordable food from local producers, to traders selling products from all over the world, all under one roof.”

The very distinctive atmosphere adds to the appeal, says the Bradford Council markets manager. “Every one is unique, with its own look and character. Other forms of shopping can often be quite sterile in comparison.”

Bradford Council manages three indoor markets: Oastler market, Kirkgate market and Keighley market as well as open markets in Bingley and Shipley, Saltaire local produce market and St James’s wholesale market off Wakefield Road.

A number of other markets are independently run, under licence from the Council.

This week sees the beginning of Love Your Local Market fortnight,a celebration of our market culture in the UK. More than 1,000 markets took part last year, putting on more than 7,000 events.

The event is also about entrepreneurship and since it began in 2012 the market industry has pledged more than 10,000 pitches to new traders.

The national campaign runs from 17 to 31 May and aims to attract new market traders and highlight the importance of local markets.

“The event raises the profile of markets, and we are hoping to encourage new traders,” says Colin. “We will have banners and bunting in place to alert people to it and some traders might carry out their own promotions.”

Bradford Council’s markets service offers incentives for new traders to help them get started. These include six months half rent, no rent deposit, business support and advice as well as help with shopfitting.

Available stalls are listed on the Rightmove estate agency website. “There are signs within the market, so people who are thinking of setting up a business can enquire

Run by the National Association of British Market Authorities and supported by the National Market Traders Federation, Love Your Local Market fortnight highlights what is available within different areas of the UK through various websites, including the Love Your Local Market Facebook page, where details and photographs of local markets can be placed.

Now in its fourth year Baildon Farmers Market continues to thrive with an average of 25 to 30 stalls of fresh Yorkshire produce each month.

It has become a regular community fixture and shoppers flock for artisan bread, fresh fish, locally shot game, organic veg, free range eggs, home-baked cakes and pies, Yorkshire cheeses, pickles, sauces and soups.

Organisers make it a fun event for the whole family, with a children’s bingo trail, musical entertainment and prize draws.

“The market is well-supported as it's not only a chance to buy fresh local produce direct from the farmer or producer, but also a community event when it’s guaranteed you’ll bump into friends and neighbours,” says manager Julie Bower.

The market is run under the auspices of Baildon Town Council but is entirely self-funding.

In Bradford Continental meats and cheese, Eastern European and African food can be found alongside the traditional market offering of fruit and vegetable stalls, butchers and fishmongers. Clothing, hardware, haberdashery, greetings cards and books.

This vibrant mix helps to address pressures from other retail sectors. “There are pressures on markets, with many discounters in the marketplace and internet sales. Markets need to fight their corner.”

Says Colin. “Tenants are bringing new products and different products and we are working to attract people who would not necessarily use markets.”

As well as new traders offering new products, new markets are emerging in the district.

Earlier this year the first Fine Food and Local Produce Market brought crowds to Ilkley.

The independently-run market offers a wide variety of artisan and organic food including cheese, chutney, meat, fruit and vegetables, gluten-free sweets and savouries and olive oil.

Paula Connor, a local artisan who helped to secure the venture, says: “Markets are valuable within the community. I have noticed a lot of people meeting up around the market, and it gives shoppers a chance to meet producers.”

Adds Colin: "Markets play an important role in the community and are vital for the economy of towns and cities. They contribute to the high street shopping experience and we hope people will continue to support their local market throughout the Love Your Local Market campaign and beyond.”