In The Market for an Award
Coventry Market is Britain's favourite Market, anyone from Coventry already knows that, but now it's actually official. Last month Coventry's famous 'round' market was awarded the prestigious title of 'Britain's Favourite Market'.
The Lord Mayor of the City of Coventry, Councillor Jack Harrison MBE.JP, members of the Market Traders Federation and Market Management were handed their award by Councillor David Farmer, President of The National Association of British Market Authorities at a Civic reception at the Council House.
Coventry kid, Lord Mayor, Councillor Jack Harrison, spoke emotionally about the market saying, "I think this wonderful award is timely recognition to a place I always think of as the jewel in the crown of the city. What's good about this is the people of Coventry have voted to make this happen, because they love the Market and love shopping there, it really is our jewel in the crown."
The clear glass award was presented by Councillor David Farmer President of NABMA, "The market award has been in existence for five years" he said, "and is getting more popular every year. We had thousands of on line votes covering nearly thirty different markets, so really well done Coventry Market".
Pete Donnelly of The Market Traders Federation, added,"I want to thank our customers, the people of Coventry, who all voted for us, they are the nicest people in the world. Coventry Market may not be the prettiest building there is and I know some people who would rather have something a lot more up to date, but I think it's always been the best market in Britain, and this award underlines that".
Following the presentation, David Farmer was given a guided tour of the award winning market, and was keen to see the market for himself, chatting with customers and stall holders , he also looked at the new " Welcome to Britain's Favourite Market" signs put up in the market that morning mark the award.
This year Coventry beat off the opposition with a mix of great quality products and a unique shopping experience. This was helped in no small part by a variety of innovative ideas courtesy of Market Manager Brian Sexton, including the launch of the world's smallest cinema that attracted the interest of the national and international press.
Picture copyright of Pete Chambers. Credit TP/Pete Chambers