The Staffordshire Moorlands entry for the Leek Festival of Fine Foods was the surprise winner of the Best Specialty Market category in the Market of the Year 2007 competition.

Highly Commended in this section were Manchester Christmas Market, Bradford International Market Festival and Aberdeen International Street Market.

NABMA Chief Executive Graham Wilson admitted that this category was particularly difficult to judge with such a range of events, private and public sector initiatives and large and small local authorities. “The Leek entry stood out for its innovation and success and demonstrated what can be achieved for community and tourism gains”. He added that “NABMA and the Markets Industry Forum were proud of the standard of entrants and the quality specialty events being promoted across the UK. The organisers demonstrate professional management and provide genuine market attractions which showcase our industry in an extremely positive manner.”

Pictured is Mike Shaw of the Staffordshire Moorlands authority – the promoter of the Market with NABMA President Elect Councillor John Gareth Jones and Jeremy Bradin of KPR Midlink, the Market of the Year sponsor.