Bury Market has been crowned with a national award yet again.
The town centre market has won the Best Market Attraction prize at the Great British Market Awards, hosted by The National Association of British Market Authorities.
The market, which has been honoured twice before at the awards including last year, received heaps of praise from organisers.
In a statement, the judges said: “This market is described as one of the best markets in the North West and a destination that attracts customers and visitors from far and wide.
"It is multiple award winning and is regarded as a ‘regional treasure’.
“It has charisma and atmosphere and the layout offers visitors the opportunity to easily seek out and visit stalls within a very large traditional market in a modern setting.
“Management is visionary and innovative, constantly seeking improvements and always responding to the national and local threats it faces.
"The future is exciting as its council operator has been successful in securing £20 million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund to support market improvements with enhanced public realm changes to improve linkages with the town centre.
“This market has a vital role within the local economy, providing jobs to hundreds of individuals, bringing in large amounts of money to the town, and supporting a loyal customer base – with the market being particularly well-used by people living in deprived neighbourhoods, and elderly pensioners living alone.
“The judging panel was unanimous that the Best Market Attraction for 2023 is Bury Market.”
The market has expressed its delight with the accolade.
On social media, Bury Market said: “We’ve only gone and won NABMA's Best Market Attraction award!
“Noted for us supporting our local communities and attracting people nationally to visit Bury and contributing positively to the town!
“Huge team effort including all our brilliant traders, operatives, office and management team!
“A great result!”
Read more: Plea for bus chiefs over plans to scrap bus service
Bury Market was granted its charter back in the 1440s and attracts millions of visitors from all over the country.
Read more: Fewer than 1 in 8 support council tax hike for GMP
Tony Chadwick, of Chadwick’s Bury Black Pudding Stall, said: “The market is a jewel in the crown.
“Being a trader on here is great because what cheers you up is people come for your products from miles around.
“Yesterday (Friday) there were coaches here from Bridlington, that’s where people from Bury go on holiday but they wanted to come here for a day out just to come on the market, it’s great.”
Colin Parkinson, of Bury Market Picture Frames, added: “The coach trips are essential and that can only add to it being the best market in Britain.
“I think it’s the best market around and it shows by the amount of people that come here from the towns around like Oldham, Ashton and Bolton.
“It’s definitely an asset to Bury and with the tram, it’s basically one down from Manchester.”
The owner of Gracie Bags said: “It’s great, the coaches and the tourism the market brings.
“It’s as if since Covid finished they’ve all wanted to come back, but we love the coaches coming it’s great.”
Read more: Bury has 6th biggest increase in wages in UK, ONA data suggests
The historic market remains as popular as ever with visitors.
One customer said: “I come here all the time, with the choice and variety there’s no need to go anywhere else.”
Another added: “We’re lucky to have such a great market on our doorstep, it’s definitely something that Bury should be proud of.”
Cllr Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and the economy at the council, said: “This is another fantastic award for our beloved Bury Market, and shows how highly it is valued by people across the land.
“As the judges have said, our plans for the future are exciting, and will keep Bury Market on people’s ‘must visit’ list for many years to come.”
If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Alicegerrard157 or email alice.gerrard@newsquest.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel