Bury Market has been drawing shoppers to the town for nearly six centuries. With over 200 stalls, multiple national awards, and a Β£33 million regeneration project nearing completion, this is one of Lancashire's most significant, and perhaps most underappreciated, retail institutions.
Six Centuries of Trading History
The market's origins stretch back to 1444, when the original licence for a market was granted. For more than 500 years, traders have gathered in Bury to sell their wares, making it one of the oldest continuously operating markets in Britain.
Writer Stuart Maconie described it in 2007 as "a shoppers' mecca, a retail nirvana rich with exotic bargains, a fabled bazaar, a veritable souk of the north." That description still fits today. The market occupies a substantial footprint in the town centre, with stalls spread across the Open Market, Fish and Meat Hall, and Market Parade.
Award-Winning Recognition
Bury Market has not gone entirely unnoticed on the national stage. In 2006, it was voted best 'British Market of the Year' by the National Association of British Market Authorities, beating 1,150 other markets across the UK. Two years later, it won BBC Radio 4's Food and Farming Awards Market of the Year.
The accolades continued: Market of the Year in 2009, 2012, and 2015, followed by Britain's Favourite Market in 2019 and again in 2022. These awards reflect both the quality of produce available and the character of the trading environment.
The Black Pudding Tradition
No account of Bury Market would be complete without mentioning black pudding. The town has long been associated with this traditional blood sausage, with some local butchers claiming manufacturing histories dating back to 1810.
The Bury Black Pudding Company, owned by the Chadwick family, supplies not only market stalls but also major retailers including Harrods. Traditionally, Bury black pudding was boiled and served with malt vinegar in paper wrapping. Today, visitors can still buy it fresh from specialist butchers within the market.
Current Trading Arrangements
The Fish and Meat Hall opens Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4:30pm, though traders operate with limited stock on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the hall closes at midday on Tuesdays. The Outdoor Market runs on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with the same opening hours, extending to 5pm on Saturdays.
The Indoor Market Hall currently remains closed following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in its structure. Traders from the hall have relocated to the Outdoor Market on its operating days, or to premises on Princess Parade and within the Mill Gate Centre, open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
Economic Impact and Visitor Numbers
The market attracts millions of visitors annually and brings in more than 1,000 coachloads of visitors each year, according to Bury Council. It provides hundreds of jobs and, in the council's assessment, plays a vital role in bolstering the local economy.
Yet the market faces challenges familiar to traditional retail spaces nationwide. Online shopping, the dominance of major retailers, and ageing infrastructure have all threatened its long-term future. The market's location, tucked between the Mill Gate shopping centre and the dual carriageway, also makes it less accessible for visitors arriving via Metrolink and the bus interchange.
The Β£33 Million Regeneration
A substantial regeneration project, funded by a Β£20 million grant from the UK Government plus Β£13 million from Bury Council, aims to address these challenges. The scheme includes a new multi-purpose Flexi Hall, canopies over the outdoor market, improved landscaping, and solar panels on the new building's roof.
As of May 2026, the canopies are complete, timber cladding is being installed on the Flexi Hall, and landscaping works are continuing. The project is scheduled for completion in June 2026, representing the most significant investment in the market's infrastructure in its long history.
What the Market Offers Today
Beyond black pudding, the market's 200-plus stalls cover the full range of traditional market goods: fresh fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, cheeses, baked goods, textiles, household items, and clothing. The concentration of independent traders creates an atmosphere distinct from conventional shopping centres.
The market maintains a loyal customer base, including a high percentage of older shoppers who have patronised the same stalls for decades. This intergenerational connection between traders and customers is increasingly rare in modern retail and represents one of the market's most significant intangible assets.
Practical Information
Bury Market is located between Murray Road and Princess Parade in Bury town centre, with postcodes BL9 0QL and BL9 0BD. The market does not open on Bank Holiday Mondays, Christmas Day, or Boxing Day.
Visitors travelling by public transport can access the market via Bury Interchange, which connects to the Metrolink tram system and bus services across Greater Manchester. For drivers, several town centre car parks are within walking distance.
What Is Confirmed
The 1444 market licence date is widely cited, though primary historical sources have not been independently verified for this article. The awards won between 2006 and 2022 are confirmed by multiple sources. The RAAC closure of the Indoor Market Hall and the Β£33 million regeneration project with June 2026 completion date are current as of the latest council updates.