aBLACKBURN Market this month adds live music to live cookery demonstrations in a bid to boost visitor numbers.

After the successful spring launch of its kitchen and cooking shows, there will now be a regular musical entertainment showcase.

Musician Phil Knight hosts a ‘Plug In and Play’ area for instrumentalists and singers to perform for shoppers and traders, starting on Saturday.

It is the latest step in a drive to entertain existing shoppers and attract new ones.

Mr Knight said: “Our first showcase will include 11-year-old Josh from Clayton-le-Moors who plays a mean lead guitar and sings Johnny Cash songs and his sister, Charlotte, who plays bass guitar.”

Mr Knight, who has played all his life, previously launched the monthly music slots at Darwen Market.

He added: “Busking is a great opportunity for an aspiring musician to cut their teeth, giving them the confidence to perform live on stage.

“It brings out the best in young and old performers and I hope we will raise a smile and add to the great atmosphere in the fabulous venue of Blackburn Market.”

Borough markets commercial manager David Smith said: “We are getting a really positive response from newcomers and regulars who say they enjoy coming to the market because, along with the great stalls and produce you can buy, there’s always something different happening.

“Over the last few months we have also had self-defence demonstrations, photography exhibitions, craft stalls, and theatre companies providing walkabout entertainment. It’s great to have Phil on our team as a regular face.

“Like Philippa James, our resident chef, he’s a great character and we love working with him.”

The ‘Plug In and Play’ slot will be in the demonstration kitchen between Butler’s market cafe and Whittaker’s Butchers.

Anybody wishing to book a busking slot can contact Phil on 07867 665721 or turn up on the day. The dates for 2014 are May 17, June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6, October 4, November 1, and December 6.