SOUTHPORT MARKET LAUNCH SUCCESS EXCEEDS ALL EXPECTATIONS

THE sun shone down on Southport Market last Saturday as large crowds gathered from 8.15am for the official launch of the town's newest attraction. As the Mayor and retired councillor, Brenda Porter declared the market open just after 9am with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, the all-day party kicked off to the sounds of the Savoy Jazz Men playing 'Congratulations'. When the doors opened, a very long queue of patiently waiting shoppers that tailed all the way along King Street and into East Bank Street, made their way through the market to claim their goody bags and enjoy a day of entertainment.

Celebrity Chef, Simon Rimmer from Channel 4's Sunday Brunch, arrived early and spent a few hours chatting to traders and shoppers, signing books and selecting ingredients from the market's food traders for his cookery demonstrations that drew very large audiences of eager food-lovers and fans.

In anticipation of Hello Kitty and Peppa Pig's appearance, crowds on Market Street swelled, as parents with young children eagerly waited to meet the hugely popular characters. They did not disappoint, and although at times they were virtually overwhelmed by their young fans, there were plenty of hugs and photo opportunities for everyone.

With an excess of 15,000 shoppers visiting the market on launch day, traders and caterers were kept very busy and in some cases, demand was so high that frantic phone calls to suppliers were made for more stock; Darren Graham of Mrs G's Fruit and Veg ran out of potatoes at one point and on calling his supplier; a local farmer; to try and get some more delivered, the farmer actually had to dig them up. The fresh out of the ground potatoes were delivered and for sale within one hour! Now that's the kind of service supermarkets can only aspire to!

The legendary pork pies from Holmes-Smith Gourmet Foods were as popular as ever and over 800 were sold just on launch day alone. All traders made a huge effort to impress the shoppers and this paid dividends as market aisles were constantly busy with footfall levels high throughout the day.

Dune FM helped the entertainment along with regular announcements and music. They assisted Retired Councillor Brenda Porter with the cutting of a large cake; a replica of the market that was shared among a willing audience.

Shoppers who missed out on cake were not disappointed as there was a never-ending supply of delicious tastings being handed out around the market. These showcased of the tremendous quality of Southport Market's food offer and included Kevin Peet's famous potted shrimps, Apple Fritters from the Dutch Pancake House, cakes from A&S Cakes and Just Cupcakes, a large cheese platter from the Liverpool Cheese Company, Pizzas from Scoozi, Pork Pies from Holmes-Smith Gourmet Foods and sandwiches from the Old Bakery and Deli.

Southport FC launched their new 2012/13 team kit on the day and actually sold out of their home shirts by 2pm. Their unit within the market was an extremely popular place to stop for shoppers and supporters alike.

Southport Market's chosen charity, Claire House Children's Hospice offered face painting, children's games and merchandise for sale. They raised exceptionally high funds (total to be confirmed) and were delighted, with the help of their very popular mascot, Claire Bear, to have the opportunity to promote such a worthy charity to a large audience.

The Savoy Jazz band continued to entertain throughout the day and with the sun shining down, the atmosphere was buzzing in and around the market hall. The tables and chairs at Mustard Coffee House were fully occupied all day and there was a genuine continental café feel as diners enjoyed an alfresco lunch or drink outside.   Other businesses in Market Street and King Street also appeared to be busy and had entered into the spirit of launch day; a very good sign that the market will bring a new and much-needed vibrancy to the Market Quarter.

The resounding success of the Market was met with delight by everyone involved in the project from it's inception four years ago, to it's launch on Saturday. Cllr Peter Dowd, Leader of Sefton Council, said:- "It was a pleasure to see the refurbished market looking so great and it's true to say that a real transformation has taken place. The place was clearly buzzing throughout the day and the stallholders really entered into the spirit with their welcoming approach, giveaways and special discounts. A special thanks should also go to Brenda Porter who unveiled the plaque having campaigned so hard to bring this project about, and also to the marketing team at Quarterbridge.I hope Southport residents and visitors drop-in and see the new-look market and make sure it is on their shopping route whenever they visit the town."

These sentiments were echoed by Development Consultants, Quarterbridge, who oversaw the entire project and orchestrated the Market's launch. Managing Director, Raymond Linch said:- "We are delighted with the market re-development and the large number of shoppers attending the launch day, however this is only the start and we look forward to working with the market retailers and caterers to help cement a successful future."

The next big event at Southport Market will be the appearance of Jay Tinker, BBC Masterchef finalist, who will be doing cookery demos on Saturday, 14 July 2012, at 11am, midday and 1pm. This will be an event not to be missed for serious foodies or any Masterchef viewers who will enjoy hearing about Jay's experience on the programme.

There are plenty of events lined up for the next few months and many community groups have already shown an interest in using the Market's demonstration area to promote a variety of topical interests such as healthy living and eating among children.

Anyone interested in taking one of the few remaining units to benefit from the extraordinary success of Southport Market are urged to contact letting agent, Quarterbridge on:- 01206 710999 as soon as possible.

Famous artists 'come together' for Liverpool Love and Claire House

THE Museum of Liverpool is set to host a unique exhibition of works, displayed together for the first time, by international leading and emerging artists.   Liverpool Love, a collection of 29 pieces curated by Merseyside born artist Christian Furr, will open in the Museum later this year from 28 September to 25 November 2012. Conceived by Christian Furr and Vaughan Davies, Liverpool Love aims to bring together a contemporary collection of works by artists that symbolise their love and connection to Liverpool and its people.  The exhibition's main priority is to raise money for local charity Claire House Children's Hospice, which provides respite and end-of-life care for children and young adults with serious medical conditions, as well as support and friendship for the whole family.

Christian Furr said:- "Unlike any normal exhibition, when Liverpool Love closes the works won't be delivered back to the artists' galleries and studios. We will be staging a much more fitting end to the exhibition, with a Gala Auction of all the works on display, which will see Liverpool Love helping Claire House. We will be hosting the event on 17 November in order to raise funds for Claire House by auctioning off all the pieces in the exhibition, so people will be able to get their hands on some prized artwork and give to a very special cause at the same time."

Works by 23 artists are confirmed to feature in the exhibition including Yoko Ono, Sir Peter Blake, Noel Fielding and The Beatles' original bass guitarist Stuart Sutcliffe. All the pieces displayed have drawn inspiration from the city, depicting Liverpool's fun, spirit, vivacity and soul in many different ways. Joining their works will be special pieces by 3 brothers who are all affected by the same genetic disorder, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Twins Dan and Sam, 17, and their younger brother Tom, 14, have been visiting Claire House for the past 10 years, where staff give them and their family invaluable support and help them cope with their condition. 

Claire House Northern Area Fundraising Manager, Helen Carlson said:- "Liverpool Love is an inspirational collaboration that Claire House is proud and honoured to be associated with. The exhibition truly captures the spirit of Liverpool and the very fact it's raising money for our local children is again symbolic of Liverpool and its big heart. Attending the exhibition is a must. Please do look out for the pieces from Sam, Dan and Tom Lloyd. We think you'll agree that the esteemed artists exhibiting are in good company!"

The city's personality will be captured in the exhibition by artists who are eager to support the charity, displaying their works in the world's first national museum devoted to the history of a regional city.  Jane Duffy, Acting Director of the Museum of Liverpool said:- "Part of this exhibition will be displayed in the Skylight Gallery, a space we use for exhibitions which we feel represent people's own views and interpretations of Liverpool. Liverpool Love is perfect in demonstrating this philosophy, giving artists who feel a connection with the city an opportunity to display their works in a museum that symbolises everything Liverpool is about, and raise money for our charity partner Claire House. We're really looking forward to seeing the variety of works on display, and the Gala Auction at the end of it all."

For more information on Liverpool Love, and on the Liverpool Museums website.