Kendal Farmers' Market is delighted to announce that it has been named as the UK's Best Small Outdoor Market 2026 at the Great British Market Awards, presented on Thursday 05th February at the annual National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) Conference in Birmingham. The awards celebrate excellence, innovation and commitment across the UK markets sector.

This national recognition follows closely on the heels of Kendal's success in 2025, when the market was awarded the Cumbria Farmer Award for Food Retailer of the Year.

The Great British Market Awards 2026 attracted the highest number of nominations to date, reflecting the scale, quality and diversity of work being delivered by markets and market teams across the country. Submissions highlighted the vital role markets play in supporting local communities, regeneration, entrepreneurship and tourism. From historic charter markets to community-led initiatives and large-scale events, the awards showcase the resilience, innovation and continued relevance of markets in towns and cities nationwide.

Kendal Farmers' Market continues to flourish through an intentional and proactive approach to trader development. Its strict producer-only policy, prioritising farmers and makers within a 30-mile radius, ensures authenticity, traceability and product diversity. This quality-first ethos has become a major draw for new traders seeking to join a market with a strong reputation and a loyal customer base.

The market actively curates its stall mix to create a purposeful and complementary offer, avoiding duplication while giving each trader the best opportunity to succeed. New traders benefit from a highly supportive onboarding process, including guidance on legislation, health and safety, paperwork, display standards and early promotional opportunities. This hands-on approach builds confidence quickly and helps businesses establish themselves effectively.

Food School demonstrations have become an important pipeline for new trader applications, allowing producers to showcase skills, trial new products and engage directly with customers. Seasonal guest traders, such as Lyth Valley Damson Co., add further freshness and excitement, ensuring the market remains dynamic and relevant.

Since the pandemic, Kendal Farmers' Market has acted as a catalyst for 31 new business start-ups. Of these, 60% remain regular stallholders, having built loyal followings and continued growth. A further 20% have flourished to the extent that they have outgrown the market, moving into permanent premises locally, a strong indicator of business longevity and sustainability.

This impact was recognised by the Great British Market Awards judging panel, who commented: "Known for its producer-only approach and quality-first ethos, Kendal Farmers' Market supports local farmers and food producers while acting as a launchpad for sustainable small businesses. Its strong educational links and community value set it apart."

David Catterall DL, Chief Executive of the National Association of British Markets Authorities, said: ''The judging panel at NABMA, made up of industry experts, all agreed that Kendal Farmers' Market absolutely deserved this award. We were really struck by how much they champion local producers and farms, and how genuinely committed they are to helping small sustainable businesses grow. Their work with education and the wider community really stood out.  The team has clearly put in a huge amount of effort to build a market that's become a real asset to Kendal and the surrounding area; they should be very proud.''

Kendal Farmers' Market Manager Marian Graveson said: "I would like to offer huge congratulations to everyone involved in Kendal Farmers' Market on this fantastic achievement. This award highlights the strength of the partnership between the market, the local community and Kendal as a whole. It demonstrates the market's central role in supporting and guiding traders as they grow their businesses, while championing our local farming community and artisan producers. By attracting large numbers of visitors into the town every second Friday, the market also supports local bricks-and-mortar businesses, helping to create a vibrant and attractive place to shop where customers can access fresh, locally grown, reared and crafted produce, which has become an increasingly popular and important part of Kendal's community both from a business and residents' perspective."