A FULL weekend of markets is heading to Bents Garden and Home this month.

The ever-popular artisan markets are descending upon Warrington's largest garden centre.

Organised by Independent Street, the artisan markets, including Great Sankey and Birchwood, are always popular wherever they go.

Warrington Guardian: A host of independent traders will be at Bents this monthA host of independent traders will be at Bents this month (Image: Independent Street)

However, in a first for Warrington, the markets will be taking over a location for an entire weekend - and that location is Bents Garden and Home.

The garden centre, which was recently named the best in the north west, will play host to more than 90 independent stalls and traders.

It has been announced by the organisers that the markets will be descending on the garden centre on Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12.

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian, Independent Street said: "You can expect local food, crafts and gift producers, freshly baked produce from micro bakeries, tasty street food, epic cakes, and freshly roasted coffee. 

"[There will be] Indian treats and delicacies, northern gin sellers, Lebanese deli, handcrafted jewellery, arts, craft, hand poured candles, cheeses, wax melts, local photography, local art, dog treats and much more."

Warrington Guardian: There will be lots of homemade bakes available on the dayThere will be lots of homemade bakes available on the day (Image: Independent Street)

Managing director of Bents Garden and Home, Matthew Bent, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be hosting another artisan market with Independent Street.

"An event like this is a great way to showcase local talent whilst also being a fantastic family day out, discovering the unique selection of foods and crafts on offer.

"We are looking forward to welcoming regular and new visitors to the centre for the artisan market.”

Lisa Cowley, director of Independent Street, told the Warrington Guardian: "We are so excited to be once again working with Bents.

"Bents is an outstanding family business which completely echoes that of Independent Street in championing small business and independent artisan small producers. Our event last year was very well received and saw hundreds flock to enjoy the day.

"We have been inundated with requests from stall holders and visitors ever since."

Warrington Guardian: There will be face painters on-hand for the 'mini market visitors' tooThere will be face painters on-hand for the 'mini market visitors' too (Image: Independent Street)

Lisa added: "Our artisan market will be a great addition to the already fabulous offering inside of Bents.

"It will be an event for the local neighbourhood; a chance for residents to come together. Pop along and join us, it is a superb opportunity to find out the origins of your food and meet our makers and bakers.

"Our event will be packed full of entertainment, live music and fun for the whole family... See you there!''

Warrington Guardian: Crafters will be selling their wares at the markets, tooCrafters will be selling their wares at the markets, too (Image: Independent Street)

As Bents enters its 86th year, it is moving from strength to strength, and further collaborations with Independent Street are on the horizon, with two further weekends of markets planned for 2023.

The weekends of July 8-9, and September 9-10 will also see Independent Street take over the garden centre with a host of independent markets.

Bents Garden and Home's market weekend will take place on the weekend of March 10-11; Saturday 10am-4pm, and Sunday 11am-4pm.

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