Stallholders and council colleagues are celebrating after Barrow Market Hall and Ulverston Market were selected as Love Your Local Market Champions 2024 by a national trade body.

The two markets – run by Westmorland and Furness Council – are among 15 hailed as “Champions” out of 400 UK markets participating in this year’s Love Your Local Market campaign.

Barrow Market Hall won the title “Community Events Champion” for bringing “a lively atmosphere to the town centre and markets” by supporting Furness Pride and Dino Day events in the town centre with the market’s own celebrations in the Market Hall along with face painting and outdoor market stalls.

Meanwhile, Ulverston Market has been hailed “Produce Champion” for its fresh produce, “eclectic mix of businesses” and popular Market Café, offering “a warm and friendly atmosphere”.

The accolades from NABMA, the National Association of British Market Authorities, recognise the markets’ contribution to the #LYLM2024 campaign.

In its 13th year, Love Your Local Market is a global movement showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of neighbourhood market scenes in 24 countries.

Jacqui Armstrong, Market Manager for Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “To say I am delighted is an understatement and enforces how important it is to keep championing our much-loved markets. They have been at the heart of our communities for generations and they have a key part to play in making Westmorland and Furness a great place to live, work and thrive.”

Barrow Market Hall’s Love Your Local Market 2024 campaign was praised by NABMA for “emphasising the importance of supporting local businesses and providing a welcoming space for the community”. The market is home to around 20 traders who will soon be relocating to temporary stalls at The Mall while work is carried out in the Market Hall.

Ulverston Market’s campaign saw visitors encouraged to buy Bank Holiday treats and fresh produce, enjoy lunch and a hot cuppa at the Market Café and support local traders who offer “the friendliest customer service”.