Miller bags first prize in Earlestown Market competition

Article date: 22 April 2025

Earlier this year, primary school children across the borough were invited to get creative and design a new canvas shopping bag for the historic Earlestown Market - which dates back more than 700 years - capturing the theme: 'What I Bought From Earlestown Market.'

After 40 entries, nine-year-old Miller Baker-Ballard was selected as the winner for her colourful, striking design which features meat and produce - just some of the many items available to buy from the popular weekly Friday market which attracts thousands of visitors a year.

As well as having her winning design printed on canvas bags, which are available for shoppers to collect from the market for free while stocks last, Newton-le-Willows Primary School pupil, Miller, was also presented with a certificate and vouchers for Willowbees soft play, located in the council's Newton-le-Willows Health and Fitness site, for her fantastic effort.

Councillor Kate Groucutt, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Business, Leisure and Culture, visited Earlestown Market recently to personally congratulate Miller.

Councillor Groucutt said:

"Earlestown Market is not only a vital part of our heritage, but also an essential component of our exciting regeneration plans for the area.  In addition to our traditional markets, we have also seen two very successful Teenage Markets and artisan market complement to enhance Earlestown's offer.

"Miller's beautiful design is a wonderful representation of what makes the market so special, and it's fantastic to see young people so engaged in preserving and celebrating our community's rich history."

Earlestown Market is on every Friday, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, from 9:00am-5:00pm - with a Flea Market also held every Saturday, apart from the same dates mentioned above.

For trader enquiries, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/BecomeATrader

ENDS