National award for Stratford's Victorian Christmas Market

Organisers of Stratford's Victorian Christmas Market are to be presented with their prestigious national award this Saturday 26 March at 11am.

The President of the National Association of British Market Authorities, NABMA, Councillor Mick Barker (Deputy Leader of Derby City Council) and NABMA Chief Executive, David Preston will be presenting the award for the country's 'Best Large Speciality Market'.

As the market contractor, Dermot McGillicuddy, Director of LSD Promotions will be collecting the trophy on behalf of Stratford District Council and Stratford Town Council.

Jon Holliday, LSD Promotions Business Development Manager said: "LSD Promotions is very proud to receive this award with our partners Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council and The District Council. We also acknowledge Stratforward BID, the Christmas Lights Company, the many Stratford businesses, and of course the general public, all of whom have supported the event in many ways.

"Working together we have achieved so much. For example, not many people realise the Bridge Street Christmas lights have been designed to complement the Victorian market and what a credit they are to the many volunteers that ensure the town has a lights display that is second to none nationally. We cannot thank them enough.

"Over six hundred coaches and two hundred thousand people came in to town over the four days last year with many new visitors enthralled with Stratford-upon-Avon, its unique charm and all it has to offer. Many are first time visitors to the area drawn by the magic of the Victorian Christmas Market, which is highly publicised and marketed nationally by LSD Promotions, but the real joy of this is that they are not only warmed by the appeal of the shops, bars, restaurants and all the other Stratford-upon-Avon businesses, but by the welcome they received from them. This type of experience is relationship building and establishing a firmer foundation for the future.

"It is a real pleasure for LSD Promotions as a company that delivers markets and special events nationwide, to partner with such a positive united network of stakeholders and teams, strongly supported by Stratford-upon-Avon Councils and the BID, and the plans already in place for this year are looking amazing."

Matt Jennings, Culture, Tourism and Leisure Portfolio for Stratford District Council says: ""We are thrilled that The Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market has won 'Best Large Speciality Market' and NABMA have come to Stratford-upon-Avon to present us with our award.  The District Council continues to support the markets and acknowledge the benefits that the footfall brings to all local businesses. I am pleased that the District Council's Welcome Back project was able to offer an additional contribution with the popular Polar Bear stand."

Cllr Kevin Taylor, Mayor Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council says: "Stratford-upon-Avon's Victorian Christmas Market brings prosperity to the whole town and I welcome that we have been recognised as staging one of the country's finest Christmas markets."

The Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market returns in 2022 from Thursday 8 December to Sunday 11 December - https://www.stratford.gov.uk/markets/stratford-upon-avon-victorian-christmas-market.cfm