A SPECTACULAR celebration of a town's market history takes place next weekend with the largest number of traders it has ever seen.

Darlington's history has always been inextricably linked with that of its markets, and between August 17 and August 20 it will host the National Market Traders' Federation (NMTF) Making Markets Matter roadshow.

A festival atmosphere is promised and it is hoped the Summer Market Spectacular will become an annual event.

Darlington is one of six venues nationwide chosen for the roadshow and is the only one taking place over more than one day.

Throughout the event, the town will be filled by hundreds of stalls along High Row, Northgate, Bondgate and Blackwellgate selling everything from continental foods to crafts, with an eco market, farmers' market and pot fair, as well as the general indoor and outdoor markets.

It will include the best of British products, as well as prize giveaways, promotions and competitions.

There will also be a children's fair and face painting.

Allan Draper, chairman of the Darlington branch of the NMTF, said: "This will make the town and people outside see how important the market is.

"It's been going downhill for a while, but the new gazebos have changed the town's whole perception of us.

"It's fantastic for Darlington. I went to the one in Bradford and it was amazing."

There will also be information on hand for anyone who is considering becoming a market stallholder.

Robin Blair, vice-chairman of the Darlington retail Market Stall Association, said: "If you look at some of the big chains like Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury's, they started out as market stalls.

"It's the start of many small businesses, as it doesn't need a great deal of expense. There are a lot of clever people who would not have been able to get off the ground if it wasn't for markets.

"This is going to be an exciting event, and lot of people are going to come."

Councillor John Williams, Darlington Borough Council leader, said: "This should be a great day out for everyone.

"With a record number of market stalls and an impressive array of street entertainment, it should be a great experience for all those who come along."