There’s nothing like a good old birthday party to lift spirits in this washout of a summer. Get yourself down to the Heaton Fold artisan market this weekend, as it celebrates its first birthday with a feast of food and crafts for sale.

Traders will be selling a range of high quality and locally sourced food, drinks and crafts on Sunday, June 19, from 10am to 4pm and there will even be a cake to help mark the special anniversary.

Alain Job, owner of Cameroonian food stall Nkono in Bolton Market, will also be at the event entertaining visitors. Mr Job, well known for his lively patter and a regular at the artisan market, will be hosting two cookery demos at 11.30am and 12.30pm.

He will be showing people how to make his signature tasty meat balls; chickpeas, and ratatouille with safari jollof rice. I have had the pleasure of tasting his highly scrumptious food – it really is very good and guaranteed, it will have you salivating.

Around 18 producers and suppliers will be selling goods including handmade jams, breads, pies, chocolates, speciality teas, Lancashire cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables, bespoke home furnishings, crafts, and jewellery. Hot sausages from Bowland Pork will also be available all day, meaning you can stock up for a re-fuel and then recommence shopping.

Shoppers can also enter a raffle to win a hamper of goodies from traders, and each purchase made will receive a free ticket for entry into the draw.

The market is organised by Brian Hood, from Signature Soaps, a Bolton-based artisan producer of handmade soaps in conjunction with the council.

For further information about the market or to enquire about joining future markets, contact Brian Hood, Signature Soaps, on 07888 845112 or e-mail [email protected].

The garden centre is on Overdale Drive, off Chorley New Road. Free parking is available on site.

See you there!