A DARLINGTON market that was voted the nation’s favourite is hosting a special Good Friday event.

Organisers of the Darlington Sunday People’s Market are hosting a one-off Good Friday market in West Row this Friday (March 29) from 10am to 3pm.

A number of businesses from across the region will take part, and musicians, including Darlington guitarist Anthony Davison, Midway Arcadia and Willow Creek, will  perform on West Row from 12pm.

An Easter bonnet and Easter egg decorating competition for children of all ages is also being held, and Darlington Borough Council leader, Bill Dixon, and Mayor Paul Baldwin will judge the entries at 1pm at the Market Cross.

Prizes for the winning entries include two tickets to the opening night of Darlington Operatic Society’s production of The Sound of Music, tickets for two adults and two children to a Darlington Football Club home game (to be used by the end of the season), a free family swim at the Dolphin Centre, a tour of the Covered Market clock tower, a family soft play pass at the Dolphin Centre and £50 worth of Cornmill Centre vouchers.

All children who enter will receive a chocolate egg.

Since its launch in August, footfall across the town centre has risen by nine per cent, while West Row has seen a 48 per cent increase and trade in Blackwellgate has risen by 30 per cent.

The market, which was set up by volunteers and now runs in association with Darlington Borough Council, was also voted Britain’s favourite at the annual National Association of British Market Authorities Market of the Year competition earlier this year.

For more information email dspm.darlington@live.co.uk