The Manchester market triumphs in the Great British Market Award 2020
Levenshulme Market has just won a major award in its field. The small independent organisation has now gained national recognition for its volunteer-led community initiative.
The south Manchester market was started in 2015 as a community run social enterprise market that runs every weekend between March and December. The market is the only social enterprise of its kind in Manchester, working towards reinvigorating the high street in Levenshulme and supporting existing local businesses and entrepreneurs. It was a finalist at the 2019 BBC Food and Farming Awards.
The judges commented: "This market is five years old. It has been featured in regional and local press and is a market run by the community itself. It has a huge impact on its area making environmental improvements to its trading site by improving verges, introducing planters, cycle racks and wall art. The directors engage with local organisations and schools about career plans and becoming independent traders. This is a market that has changed the dynamics of an area, and its environment, by creating a vibrant community hub. It represents a real team effort. All profits from the market go back to helping the market operate in a socially, environmentally and financially sustaining way. This is a social enterprise market."
Richard Hirst, manager at Levenshulme Market said: "We're incredibly proud to win this award. Markets are an important social space, not just for people to do their shopping and have a bite to eat, but for a community to come together and engage with one another. It's great to see such a strong showing for northern markets, with Chester Market, Grainger Market in Newcastle and Pease Pudding Night Market in Darlington all receiving awards. We could never have won without the efforts of our wonderful traders and the enthusiasm of our customers from Levenshulme and beyond."
Levenshulme Market will return on Saturday 7th March, 10am-4pm
