NABMA has opened nominations for the 2025 Market Industry Awards, and we see this as the perfect moment to shout about Lower Marsh Market.
The awards recognise four categories: Market Manager, Market Team, Market Achievement, and Young Market Champion, and aim to spotlight the dedication, innovation, and community impact that markets bring to UK high streets. We believe our Lower Marsh Market team, traders, and projects deserve to-be nominated.
As NABMA Chief Executive David Preston puts it:
“We’re hearing truly inspiring stories from across the country. Now more than ever, it’s important to celebrate the immense contribution that markets and market people make to their local areas.”
At a time when rising costs, online retail and creeping sameness blur the identity of so many street markets, Lower Marsh still feels unmistakably itself. The warm, slightly off‑beat vibe that drew visitors years ago is very much alive today, thanks to friendly traders and their regular customers. It’s become Waterloo’s “third place”: somewhere to slow down, swap stories and connect – whether at Lower Marsh Lates, planting sessions with the Edible Marsh & Gardening Club or a quick tune-up at our free Dr Bike clinics.
The market’s authenticity survives because of the people behind it.
The people who make it happen:
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Meeta Hitchings – our Market Manager; she supports every trader, sorts the logistics and keeps everything running smoothly.
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Louis & Mann Ray – our operations duo, on site at dawn to set up gazebos, road blocks and power, then back at dusk to pack it all away – lifting everyone’s mood as they go.
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Jose & the First Mile crew – keeping the street spotless and the paintwork fresh.
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Frances Ward – our head gardener; she tends every planter, making sure Lower Marsh stays green and welcoming.
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If you love Lower Marsh – whether for a great lunch, a friendly chat or simply a chance to pause in busy Waterloo, please share your story.
Email your nomination to: info@nabma.com
Read more about the awards here.
Deadline: 24 August
