Devon town's community market crowned Britain's best

Staff, traders and visitors to South Molton Pannier Market are celebrating again after being crowned Britain’s Best Community Market for the second year.

South Molton Town Council town clerk, Andrew Coates, market manager, William Tyacke and events and promotions manager, Melanie James, were invited to attend the prestigious National Association British Market Awards at The MacDonalad Burlington Hotel in Birmingham last month along with representatives from markets from all over the country.

Almost 1,500 markets currently operate in Great Britain, and the competition saw approximately 40,000 votes cast as members of the public were invited to vote for their favourite market.

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The panel of judges was impressed at the wide variety of free community events held by South Molton Town Council, the market’s vibrancy, and its diversity of stalls.

Although the overall national picture for markets is slightly gloomy, with many markets struggling to attract and retain stall holders, South Molton staff were praised for the tremendous work behind the scenes to keep the market running efficiently.

The Pannier Market currently has a healthy waiting list of stall holders looking to trade at the Thursday and Saturday markets and attracts enquiries from all over the South West.

South Molton Pannier Market celebrates winning a national award

William Tycake said: “To do the double is such an achievement, and we are all in a state of shock, to be honest! The feedback we get from visitors to the market has been so positive, and it is fantastic to have the recognition of NABMA with this award.

“We take great pride in offering a traditional market with a variety of almost 70 stalls every Thursday and Saturday. Our traders work incredibly hard to offer their customers the best service, and this award would not have been possible without their loyalty and dedication.”

Melanie James added: “Having won the award last year, we knew we would have to work exceptionally hard to win it again and focus on bringing the community together in our wonderful Pannier Market.

“In the last 12 months, we have had numerous free events and entertainment, including the King’s Coronation celebrations, and we have hosted several charity events and staged our festivals of food and drink, which have been incredibly popular.

“The free-to-use ice skating rink at Christmas was a particular highlight of the year, along with the free firework display and market, which several thousand people attended.

“The community is at the heart of everything we do in the market, and we are so proud to have been judged the Best Community Market again. Thank you so much to everyone who voted.”

Town Clerk Andrew Coates said: “It was fantastic to be invited to the awards ceremony and hear the other market’s success stories, but it was also a real eye-opener to hear how some other markets are struggling, and there is a real risk of many closing.

“Our local community supports our market exceptionally well and attracts visitors from afield. Market days are buzzing in the town, and the local area sees an increase in footfall.

“The market plays an integral part in our rural community and provides a wonderful platform for local businesses to sell and for people to come together. The town council is very proud that our market is highly esteemed.”

South Molton Pannier Market celebrates winning a national award

Jacqui Footman, mayor of South Molton, added: “It’s fabulous for the town to win this award again. We’re blown away by it. I love this market and the atmosphere here; all the people love it.

“It’s so good for the town. I’ve just spoken to somebody who brought his mother from Barnstaple, and he was from Bristol. They have their market in Barnstaple, but it says something that they come here every week. It’s an extraordinary place, and I’m proud and lucky to be mayor and cut the celebratory cake.”

South Molton Pannier Market is open every Thursday and Saturday from 8 am to 1.30 pm. The popular food fest is taking place on Sunday, February 25 from 10 am.