AN innovative night-time market that launched in Darlington last summer has scooped a prestigious national award.
Darlington Market Asset Management team are celebrating the success of the Pease Pudding Markets which won the title of ‘Best Small Speciality Market’ from the National Association of British Markets Authorities (NABMA).
During last summer, the new night market took over the market square once a month, attracting visitors into the town centre to enjoy street food while live musicians and street artists entertained them.
With support and input from Darlington Borough Council and the Town Centre Events Team, the Pease Pudding Night Markets grew from strength to strength over the year.
Market Asset Management director, Hayden Ferriby, said: “The concept of creating a night market in the town centre was an exciting project, bringing footfall into the town centre and stimulating the evening economy.
"We are very pleased by the response from the visitors enjoying this new event.
"Our team here at Darlington are looking forward to delivering more dates for 2020.”
Darlington Council leader, Heather Scott said: “This is wonderful news, well done to Darlington Markets.
"The Pease Pudding market proved to be really popular last year and offered a unique dining and shopping experience in the centre of town; taking advantage of the lighter nights.
"I’m looking forward to seeing it return in April and also to the full programme of events on offer for the rest of the year at the market and throughout the town.”
The markets team have programmed a range of returning and new events for 2020 and their aim is to continue developing the markets offer for the town and wider Tees Valley.
This has seen the team add some more creative events such as a Wool Fair and Art Market.
The next new event is on February 29 with Darlington's first Wool Fair, with the monthly Farmers Market restarting after the winter break on March 1.
Events returning this year with regular dates include the Vegan Markets and Record Fair and the third annual Food and Drink Festival on May 1 to 3, which won recognition at last year’s NABMA awards.
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