The Great British Market Awards 2026 were proudly presented as part of the NABMA One Day Conference, celebrating excellence, innovation and commitment across the UK markets sector.
This year’s awards attracted the largest number of nominations to date, reflecting the scale, quality and diversity of work being delivered by markets and market teams nationwide. Submissions highlighted the vital role markets play in supporting local communities, regeneration, entrepreneurship and tourism.
NABMA would like to thank everyone who submitted nominations, members of the public who voted, and the judging panel made up of some of the most experienced market professionals in the industry. Thanks also go to the National Market Traders Federation and Chief Executive Joe Harrison for their continued support, and to Market Place, headline sponsor of the 2026 Awards.
NABMA Life Membership
Before the presentation of awards, NABMA recognised outstanding service to the markets industry by conferring Honorary Life Membership on Colin Wolstenholme.
With 46 years of experience across local and national tiers of market management, Colin is one of the most respected professionals in the sector. His leadership has supported national research, policy development and best practice sharing, and he recently oversaw the delivery of the Darley Street Market in Bradford, now a major focal point of the city centre.
Highly Commended Markets
Three markets were recognised as Highly Commended, reflecting outstanding community impact, innovation and commitment to delivering high quality market services:
- Stanley Park Market, Liverpool, recognised for its strong community role and commitment to quality market delivery.
- Durham Indoor Market, praised for innovation and continued relevance at the heart of the city centre.
- Seven Sisters Market, celebrated for its cultural impact and its importance to traders and local communities.
Great British Market Awards 2026 winners
Best Large Indoor Market
🏆 Barnsley Market
With nearly 800 years at the heart of its town centre, Barnsley Market has become a flagship regeneration project, combining a modern food hall, high occupancy levels and strong trader support. Its work with start-ups, young traders and public sector partners has positioned it as a market of national interest.
Best Small Indoor Market
🏆 Leek Butter and Trestle Market
A £17 million investment has transformed this historic market into a dynamic incubator for local enterprise, cultural activity and town centre footfall. Strong communication and collaboration between traders, officers and regeneration teams were central to its success.
Best Large Outdoor Market
🏆 Waterside Upmarket, Stratford-upon-Avon
Trading every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, this market delivers a significant economic and social impact, attracting around 15,000 visitors each week. Its flexible trader policy, strong visitor appeal and support for national campaigns have helped it thrive for over 30 years.
Best Small Outdoor Market
🏆 Kendal Farmers’ Market
Known for its producer-only approach and quality-first ethos, Kendal Farmers’ Market supports local farmers and food producers while acting as a launchpad for sustainable small businesses. Its strong educational links and community value set it apart.
Best Community or Local Council Market
🏆 Shrewsbury Market
Often described as “a proper market”, Shrewsbury Market continues to evolve while retaining its unique identity. With 100% occupancy, strong partnerships and a reputation as a business incubator, it remains the beating heart of its town centre.
Best Large Speciality Market
🏆 Bolton Food and Drink Festival
Regarded as one of the leading food and drink festivals in the UK and internationally, this event attracts over half a million visitors across four days. Curated by the Markets Team, it sets a national benchmark for scale, quality and social value.
Best Small Speciality Market
🏆 Mossley Farmers’ Market
Established through community determination, this monthly market has exceeded all expectations since launching in 2025. Growing from 10 to 40 traders, it has successfully restored market town status and become one of the borough’s most successful markets.
Best Wholesale Market
🏆 New Covent Garden Market
Home to 180 businesses with a combined turnover approaching £1 billion, New Covent Garden Market blends 800 years of history with a clear vision for the future. Ongoing redevelopment will see it become both the UK’s oldest and newest wholesale market by 2028.
Best Food Market
🏆 Bradford Darley Street Market
A bold, modern food destination at the centre of a £32 million regeneration project, Darley Street Market blends traditional market values with contemporary design. Open seven days a week, it has become a major destination for food, culture and community life.
Best Market Attraction (Joint Winners)
🏆 Smithfield Market Christmas Eve Meat Auction
🏆 Columbia Road Flower Market
The Smithfield Christmas Eve Meat Auction was recognised for its 50-year history and its unique ability to combine tradition, theatre and economic impact.
Columbia Road Flower Market was celebrated as a global attraction and a weekly spectacle, drawing visitors from around the world while supporting local traders and businesses.
Britain’s Favourite Market 2026
🏆 South Molton Pannier Market
Voted for by the public, South Molton Pannier Market was recognised for its outstanding traders, 100% occupancy and deep community pride. Twice-weekly market days continue to drive footfall, support local charities and strengthen the town’s local economy.
Celebrating excellence across the sector
The Great British Market Awards 2026 showcased the diversity, resilience and innovation found across the UK markets sector. From historic charter markets to large scale events and community-led initiatives, the winners demonstrate the vital role markets continue to play in towns and cities.
NABMA congratulates all winners, highly commended markets and nominees, and thanks everyone involved in making the 2026 Awards a celebration of excellence across the industry.