Shoppers are being urged to help Shrewsbury Market Hall secure the title of Britain’s Favourite Market.
Online voting in the national competition has now opened and will run throughout December.
The popular indoor market, which was narrowly beaten to the title two years ago, now hopes to go one better and scoop the top prize.
The search for Britain’s Favourite Market is part of the annual national Market of the Year awards run by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA).
While other catergories, including Best Indoor Market and Best Outdoor Market, are selected by a judging panel, Britain’s favourite Market is decided solely by public vote. S
upporters of Shrewsbury Market Hall, which opened in the town centre in 1965 and is jointly run by Shrewsbury Town Council and managing agent Jones Lang LaSalle, can register their votes online at www.nabma.com/market-of-the-year/.
Located between Shoplatch and Claremont Street, the two-tiered market now boasts over 70 stalls including cafes, restaurants, butchers, grocers, artisan food producers, home accessory and gift boutiques, a barber and even a resident psychotherapist.
It is also home to Shrewsbury’s last remaining independent bookshop, Shropshire’s only retail adult boardgame specialist, an art gallery and the Midlands’ only supplier of traditional Dutch bicycles.
In 2011 it won the Best Council-run Market category in the NABMA awards.
Site facilities manager Kate Gittins said: “We have a thriving market made up of so many dynamic small businesses. It’s getting more and more popular all the time both with shoppers, who have discovered its uniqueness and diversity, and traders, many of whom have chosen the market as a successful launch pad for their businesses.
“Every vote counts so we’re urging all our shoppers to get behind the campaign, spare a few minutes andyerwhat yerwhat cast ayeayetheir vote.”
Mike Cox, outdoor recreation and assets manager for the council, which runs the canopied section, added: “The busy market is not only gaining a reputation for the quantity and quality of the goods it offers, but it also stands out as an entertainment venue. It’s an art gallery, a regular music venue and this year it played a successful part in both the annual Shrewsbury International Cartoon Festival and the Shrewsbury Food Festival.
“These events have brought in new visitors with many glowing comments about our market hall. By voting online, our valued customers can show their appreciation and demonstrate how well supported the market is within the town and further afield.”