Shrewsbury Indoor Market and Market Drayton Market make shortlist to become 'Britain's Favourite'

Two Shropshire markets have been named as contenders to become Britain's Favourite in 2025.

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Today, both Shrewsbury Indoor Market and Market Drayton Market have been shortlisted in the top 10 following a public voting phase.

More than 40,000 votes were cast between October and December as the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) seeks to crown a winner of its prestigious competition that is part of the Great British Market Awards that celebrate the very best of UK markets.

Both of the Shropshire Markets will move forward to the next stage of the competition that involves an evaluation by a panel of industry experts who will decide which market takes the coveted title of Britain’s Favourite Market 2025.

Shrewsbury Market Hall is hoping to be crowned Britain's favourite for the third year in a row and for the fourth time since 2018.

Shrewsbury Market Hall is going for three in a row. From left to right: (Back row) Market traders David Tunks, Jo Bloodworth, Darren Tomkins, (middle) Karen Duffy, Charika Manning and (front) Libby Gliksman urge market shoppers to vote for ‘Shrewsbury Indoor Market’ in the Britain’s Favourite Market national poll. — Shrewsbury Market Hall is going for three in a row. From left to right: (Back row) Market traders David Tunks, Jo Bloodworth, Darren Tomkins, (middle) Karen Duffy, Charika Manning and (front) Libby Gliksman urged market shoppers to vote for ‘Shrewsbury Indoor Market’ in the Britain’s Favourite Market national poll.

Winning the title is considered as the most prestigious accolade in the Great British Market Awards, and during the last two years, Shrewsbury has amassed so many public votes that it emerged as a clear winner.

The market is run jointly by Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Council, and has transformed dramatically during the last 12 years and boasts more than 50 independent traders, including cafes and bars.

But, this year it faces competition from Market Drayton Market which was taken over by Shropshire Council last April after it faced criticism from traders.

With the takeover came the appointment of manager Kate Gittins, who had been at the helm of Shrewsbury's award-winning indoor market for 18 years.

And now, like she did in the county town, Kate is turning Market Drayton Market into a recognised and thriving market.

Kate Gittins has took over as manager for Market Drayton markets last year after 18 years at Shrewsbury Market Hall

Speaking to the Shropshire Star last month, town councillor Tim Manton praised Kate for her work in the North Shropshire town.

He said: "Getting Kate involved was huge.

"It is way better than what it was 18 months ago. You would have counted the amount of stalls on one hand a year and a half ago. It is much better now.

"I am going to predict that the market will go from strength to strength.

Kate Gittins took over as manager for Market Drayton markets, after 18 years at Shrewsbury Market Hall

"Kate is very good at what she does and I would suggest that she has very big plans for the market."

Alongside Shrewsbury Indoor Market and Market Drayton Market, other markets that have been shortlisted in the top 10 include Bury Market, Chelmsford Indoor Market, Nantwich Indoor & Outdoor Market, Oxford Covered Market, Pontypridd Market, South Molton Country Pannier Market, Swansea Indoor Market, and Tavistock Pannier Indoor Market.

Reflecting on the announcement, Chief Executive of NABMA, David Preston said: "Markets continue to be the beating heart of our high streets and communities.

"This year’s Top 10 showcases the incredible variety and dedication seen across the UK. Public support has been phenomenal, and we can’t wait to reveal the winner."

The winner will be announced at the NABMA January Conference in Birmingham on January 30, alongside other Great British Market Award winners.