The ever-popular Ruddington Village Market has scooped the Market Team of the Year Award at the National Market Awards 2024, celebrating its volunteer-driven initiative that brings people to the heart of the village.
Ruddington Village Community Partnership (RVCP) manage the monthly non-for-profit market which takes place on the first Saturday of the month from 9am to 2pm in the village.
It welcomes thousands of visitors every year and boasts almost 80 traders and offers artisan provisions and crafts, street food, bar, live music and children’s entertainment.
Now in its sixth year, the market has seen significant growth from 18 stalls in a pub car park led by a small team of six volunteers, to now the largest and most successful monthly outdoor market in Nottinghamshire with over 30 regular volunteers supporting its operations.
The award from the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) also recognised its support for young entrepreneurs through the market’s Young Entrepreneurs Programme, supporting young people to start a market stall, with free one-to-one book-keeping, stock management, and social media mentoring, delivered for free by volunteers from local businesses and subject matter experts.
A team of ten people volunteer their free time throughout the month to promote the market on its social media channels, whilst a core management team oversees bookings.
A committed team of further volunteers build and dismantle the market, incorporating gazebos, electrical infrastructure, stage and bar, and photographers capture the atmosphere of the day.
At a strategic level, the RVCP steering committee, who are all volunteers, meet every month to plan the year ahead and progress new initiatives. The group aims to bring residents and local independent businesses together through active citizenship to raise wellbeing and economic prosperity.
RVCP and market volunteers proudly showcased their new award at their stall during the monthly market on Saturday 5th October.
RVCP Vice Chair Mark Pinks said: “We’re all over the moon to receive this award for Small Market Team of the Year at the National Market Awards which took place in Harrogate last month.
“Our team of volunteers have worked tirelessly to make the market a welcoming and thriving space for both traders and visitors, and this recognition is a testament to the incredible work of everyone involved.
“It has gained an amazing crew of fantastic volunteers from all walks of life, provided a monthly event for friends and family to catch up, given a whole new space for Ruddington businesses to grow, and reinvigorated our wonderful independent high street.
“It’s also generated funds through our non-profit model that have enabled many of our other projects including our Young Entrepreneurs Programme, Makers Night, Street Food Summer Social and more.
“Thank you again to all the incredible volunteers, from the stewards, social media team, photographers, and all the committee members who work really hard to help make exciting events for the village.”
“We look forward to continuing to evolve the market in the coming years.”
For more information about the market, please visit the website at: www.ruddingtonvillagemarket.co.uk