All Together Bury: David Catterall – Championing Community and Inclusion

In the next edition of our All Together Bury series, we’re celebrating the people building a more connected and inclusive town. This time, we caught up with David Catterall, community leader and champion of Bury Pride.

From his years managing Bury Market to leading the town’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration, David has worked to create spaces where everyone can belong. His focus on community, inclusion, and connection has left a lasting impact on Bury town centre.

About You and Your Work

• Name: David Catterall
• Role: Community Leader & Former Head of Commercial Services (Bury Market)

In a few words, what do you do or offer?

I work to bring people together, champion inclusion, and celebrate the diversity of our town – most recently through initiatives like Bury Pride, creating safe, welcoming spaces where everyone can feel part of the community.

Your Story

How did your journey begin?
After many years with Bury Council, I had the privilege of managing Bury Market. That role taught me the power of connection – how a market isn’t just a place to shop, but a place to belong. Seeing generations of traders, young entrepreneurs, and families coming together showed me how spaces like this can strengthen community.

What drives your work today?
Inclusion and belonging. Through Bury Pride and other community initiatives, I aim to create experiences that bring people together, celebrate diversity, and ensure everyone feels seen and welcome. Whether it’s supporting local events, mentoring young leaders, or building partnerships, it’s all about strengthening the social fabric of Bury.

What makes Bury special to you?
The people. Bury has always been a town of warmth, resilience, and creativity. From market traders to community volunteers, there’s a generosity of spirit here that makes collaborative projects thrive. Being part of that energy, whether at the market or through Pride, has been incredibly rewarding.

Memorable moments?
From the market receiving levelling-up funding and welcoming thousands of visitors to seeing Bury Pride grow into a celebrated, inclusive event, the moments that stand out are always about people coming together – sharing stories, celebrating culture, and supporting each other.

All Together Bury

How does being “All Together Bury” reflect what you do?
Community is at the heart of everything I do. Bury Pride and my work with the market were both about more than events – they were platforms for connection, inclusion, and shared experiences. They celebrate diversity, bring people together across generations, and strengthen a sense of belonging in our town centre.

Your Bury Favourites

• Favourite local spot: Anywhere that brings people together – cafés, market halls, events or outdoor spaces.
• One hidden gem or must-visit in Bury: A community event where people share culture, food, or stories.
• Your go-to treat or coffee order: A good coffee while chatting with friends and neighbours – there’s so much choice on Bury Market!

Looking Ahead

What’s next for your work?
As Chief Executive of NABMA, the UK’s foremost organisation representing and supporting the markets industry, my mission is to champion British markets as inclusive, vibrant economic, cultural, and social hubs, I’m focused on expanding opportunities for inclusion and community celebration, supporting local groups, and mentoring new leaders. Whether through my work, festivals, workshops, or partnerships, the goal is to keep Bury a place where everyone feels valued, represented, and connected.

Follow @DiscoverBury to discover more stories celebrating the people, places and partnerships that make our town such a dynamic and forward-thinking place — All Together Bury.