Shrewsbury Market Hall wins ‘Best Community Market’ award

Some of the traders at Shrewsbury Market Hall celebrate the award

Shrewsbury Market Hall has won a fifth national award at the Great British Market Awards – the ‘Oscars’ equivalent for British markets.

The four times winner of the ‘Britain’s Favourite Market Award’ scooped the title of ‘Best Community Market’ at the awards ceremony held in Birmingham on Thursday 5 February [2026].

The popular indoor market, which won the Britain’s Favourite Market crown in 2018, 2023, 2024 and 2025, had not been eligible to take part in public voting for the most coveted award this year.

But market managers and traders were thrilled to learn Shrewsbury had won another prestigious award instead.

“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,” said judges.

The Great British Market Awards are organised by the National Association of British Market Authorities to celebrate the most innovative British Markets.

Shrewsbury Market Hall managers Amy Williams, of Shropshire Council, and Ian Thorpe, of Shrewsbury Town Council, were at this year’s ceremony to be presented with the Best Community Market Award by Shrewsbury and Atcham MP Julia Buckley in her capacity as the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Markets Group.

Tenant liaison manager Amy Williams said:

“Winning this award was a huge surprise and honour. We’re delighted to receive an award which recognises the deep roots that Shrewsbury Market Hall has within its community and its importance to the life and economy of the town.”

Commercial, markets and events manager Ian Thorpe said:

“We’re proud to win this award. It’s a tribute to our fantastic traders and market team. The market boosts the local economy and plays a significant role in helping to keep Shrewsbury town centre alive and dynamic by bringing people into the town centre and creating low-cost business start-up opportunities,” said

“It’s a brilliant example of how a market can evolve with the times, reinvent itself, play an important role in the community it serves and become a popular visitor attraction.”

Shrewsbury Market Hall is unusual in that it is jointly managed by two market operators – Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Council.

The award for Britain’s Favourite Market 2026 went to South Molton Pannier Market in North Devon, a previous recipient of the Best Community Market Award.