Tettenhall’s popular Make It or Bake It market has scooped a top national award. The event was crowned Best Small Community Market at the Great British Market Awards organised by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) at a ceremony in Birmingham yesterday. Make It or Bake It began in 2014 and there have so far been four events attracting thousands of visitors. They are a partnership between local organisers, City of Wolverhampton Council and LSD Promotions.
Each Make It or Bake It sees the scenic village green in Tettenhall and surrounding streets come alive with stalls selling homemade food, arts and crafts and bespoke gifts. There is also entertainment and a range of exotic and delicious street food.
The NABMA Great British Markets Awards are seen as the Oscars of the markets industry and entries come in from all over England.
NABMA judges were full of praise for Make It or Bake It.
Graham Wilson OBE, chief executive of NABMA, said: “This market has 35 traders and is exclusively promoted on social media. The market has made great progress since its inception, everything is achieved through great effort and care and there is a real desire to integrate the market with local businesses.
“Significant support is also given to local charities. This market is regarded as a brilliant showcase for the extraordinary talents of the traders themselves.”
Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment, said: “It is fantastic for Make It or Bake It to be recognised as the best small community market in the entire country.
“It really is a special event that has been successful due to the innovation and creativity of the local community working in partnership with the city council and promoters who have helped to make it happen.
“I couldn’t be more proud of everyone involved and congratulate them on this impressive accolade.”
Colin Carr, from the website Tettenhall.co.uk who came up with the idea for Make It or Bake It, said: “It all began with a simple Tweet a couple of years ago, asking if an artisan or farmers market would be a good idea on Tettenhall Green.
"The response was unbelievable and incredibly positive from the public and local shops alike.
“So, with the backing of City of Wolverhampton Council markets team and their markets promoter LSD Promotions, we started the Make It or Bake It market.
"Now we are planning our fifth event next May and previous markets have attracted local people in their thousands. It is quite extraordinary and being voted Britain's best small community market is the proverbial icing on the market's cake."
This is not the first time a Wolverhampton market has achieved success at the NABMA awards. In 2014 Bilston Market was crowned best large outdoor market.
