Making Markets Matter, devised and promoted by the National Market Traders Federation, is a nationwide campaign to persuade the shopping public to savour the joys of the UK's 1,400 markets.

The campaign is backing the Government's appeal to local authorities to consider the importance of markets when they are looking at town or city centre redevelopment.

Markets should at the heart of towns and cities - in fact in many cases these centres grew around the markets.

Unfortunately in many places they have either been moved away from the main area of shopping activity, or the shopping footprint has moved away from the market.

Whatever the case, Making Markets Matter is centred in the main shopping area to persuade shoppers to visit their local market, using a variety of attractions such as an exciting prize vault, face painting, characters including Victor the lion, freebies and much more!

The campaign has a reputation for success, and any market operator or local authority seeking ways of increasing awareness of the operation should get involved.

The number of events in 2013 is limited, and already a number of operators have made enquiries.

If you are interested in taking part, please email publicity@nmtf.co.uk.

To see short movies of Making Markets Matter events click below:

Play Your Cards Right

Victor the Lion lets his mane down

The Voucher Vault in action

Master Chef Geoff Tookey