Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Castle Artisan Market wins national sector recognition
Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Castle Artisan Market has been awarded a ‘Highly Commended’ in the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) awards.
The results of the Great British Market Awards were announced at a prestigious event in Birmingham and included Newcastle’s Castle Artisan Market in the Highly Commended list.
Newcastle’s Cabinet member for finance, town centres and growth, Stephen Sweeney, said: “This is fabulous news. We have been delighted with the resurgence of the market in Newcastle over the last few years, despite the pandemic. It’s been amazing. People have flocked in to the event markets in particular and recognition for the artisan market in this way is superb.
“It has been clear for some time that residents and visitors alike really appreciate the variety and quality of the event markets and to have this national recognition, with experienced market experts judging Newcastle to be alongside the very best in the UK feels very good indeed.
“I congratulate the markets staff and all those stallholders who work so hard to make the market events genuine attractions for shoppers, residents and families. Bringing shoppers in to Newcastle also benefits the rest of the town, small independent businesses and our local economy. It’s fantastic.”
The criteria used for judging the hundreds of markets, up and down the UK, included providing evidence of new initiatives and success in attracting new traders; supporting new business start-ups and young entrepreneurs; the effective use of social media and evidence to show that the market supports the town.
In Newcastle-under-Lyme records have shown that there were more than 5,000 new or unique visitors to the town centre when the Castle Artisan Market was hosted. The average ‘stay’ at the market was almost three hours. Data gathered by the town centre BID shows that footfall also moves from the market around the town centre, supporting local business, and that more businesses in Newcastle open their doors on the days that the Castle Artisan Market is held.
