Street food market shortlisted for prestigious BBC Food and Farming award
02 Apr 2019
Levenshulme Market has made it the final three in the Best Shop or Market category of the BBC Food & Farming Awards 2019
Established in 2013 as a Community Interest Company (CIC), Levenshulme Market operates every weekend from March to December – as well as running a special pop-up lunchtime food market every Tuesday during term-time on Humanities Bridgeford Street at the University.
The next stage of the competition is a visit in the coming weeks from judges Leyla Kazim, food and travel photographer and writer, and Mark Diacono, food writer, grower and photographer.
One of the biggest foodie events in the market’s calendar is its hugely popular monthly night markets, which feature a host of Manchester’s best street food stalls, speciality bars, DJ entertainment and a great party atmosphere.
After visits to all finalists in 11 categories have been made, the judging panel will meet to decide the winners. All will be revealed at the awards ceremony in Bristol on 12 June.
The community-run market, which is one of only a handful of social enterprise markets in the UK, is facing stiff competition in the Best Shop or Market category. It’s the only market, but is nominated alongside arts and health initiative Squash Liverpool and community green grocer A Small Good Thing. All three are flying the flag for fantastic food in the North West.
Market Manager Christine Felton says: “We’re so, so thrilled to have made it to the final three, and we love that all finalists in this category are from the North West and have a community or social focus.
"Street food and produce has always been a huge part of what we do, bringing the community together each weekend over great food! And we’re proud to have so many exceptional chefs, makers and producers on our stalls each week.
“We’d also like to say a huge thank you to our customers, as it was their nominations that got us to this point. We’ve had so much community support, so whatever happens we’re absolutely delighted.”
About Levenshulme Market
The market was set up to benefit the local Levenshulme community, to provide employment and help to rejuvenate the high street. A 2018 Social Value Report found that 80% of customers value the market’s social atmosphere and that staff and traders generate just under £80k of income each year.