The wonderful weather during May appears to have added some extra heat to this year’s Love Your Local Market campaign, with another highly successful year.

Over 450 markets across the UK registered to take part in the campaign this year with our Love Your Local Market Map attracting more entries than ever before.

We were particularly thrilled to witness numerous Young Trader initiatives taking place during the campaign. The events taking place at Bolton Market, Leighton Buzzard Market, Swadlincote Markets, and Welshpool Market showcased the entrepreneurial spirit of young traders. Additionally, the Youthquake initiative at Portobello Road Market was another highlight.

The campaign also provided an opportunity for markets across the UK to offer new trader incentives. Camden Market, South Holland District Council, and Bicester Friday Market embraced this idea, encouraging fresh faces to join their vibrant market communities.

We are thrilled to announce that the social media interactions for Love Your Local Market 2023 have reached an astounding new record of over 30,000. This achievement is especially remarkable considering it surpasses last year’s record, which was set during an extended three-week campaign.

Along with TV and radio appearances by markets and the NABMA team, the campaign also attracted over 400 news and web articles.

Watch out for our gallery from Love Your Local Market 2023, the announcement of the Champions of 2023 and our special edition newsletter “Market View”! All coming soon!

It doesn’t end there though! Love Your Local Market was just the beginning of a full year of initiatives from NABMA as part of our #MarketsFirst campaign, which runs through to 2024. Over the twelve-month period our “Markets First” campaign will be engaging with our members, traders, government, partners, and the media to create a national dialogue about the future of markets.

We extend our gratitude to our dedicated sponsor, Zapp Outdoors. Their renowned product range encompasses a wide variety of market umbrellas in different sizes and styles, a unique selection of folding tables, weighted support systems, and an array of accessories. Find out more or get in touch via their website: zappumbrellas.com

NABMA would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the markets, market managers, market teams, traders, and customers for contributing to the resounding success of Love Your Local Market 2023. The overwhelming response on social media, through posts and messages, has underscored the vital role that markets play within communities. They are not only a catalyst for employment and startup businesses but also contribute to tourism, the local economy, climate change initiatives, and much more.

Discover more about the Markets First campaign here https://nabma.com/markets-first-securing-the-future-for-uk-markets/