Wells Market has won Small Market of the Year Award at the 2026 NABMA National Awards, recognising the hard work of Wells City Council and its market team since taking responsibility for the markets in June 2025, and the fantastic array of traders and offering to the community.

The City Council took ownership of the weekly markets following devolution from Somerset Council in June 2025. Since then, the Council has worked closely with traders and partners to ensure a smooth transition, while also looking at ways to develop and improve the markets. 

Located in Wells Market Place, the weekly markets bring together local traders selling a wide range of goods, including food, clothing, gifts and jewellery. Traders have played a pivotal role throughout the transition, with their experience and feedback helping to shape the development of the markets.

The awards recognise the hard work, flexibility and commitment of the team during what has been a significant period of change. From managing the transfer to working through challenges and identifying opportunities to improve the market offer, the Council has worked closely with traders and partners to build a strong foundation for the future.

The Right Worshipful, the Mayor of Wells, Cllr Denise Denis said: “It was a delight to receive this prestigious award on Tuesday on behalf of the Council. The award represents the significant work undertaken since the market transferred to the City Council, to ensure that the market continues to thrive and remains the beacon of markets in the local area.”

The markets form an important part of Wells City Council's ambition for a vibrant city centre, a thriving local economy and a strong sense of place. Over the past year, the Council has introduced a monthly Sunday Market pilot scheme and expanded the popular Wells City Christmas Market, with this year’s offering on 12th and 13th December enveloping the whole city centre and being bigger than ever. 
The transfer has also seen the Market Charter return to Wells and be delivered locally, bringing responsibility for the markets back to the community.

Wells City Council would like to thank all the market traders, customers and partners who have supported the markets throughout the transition and continue to contribute to its success. The Council will continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce, traders and partners to build on the progress made and ensure Wells Markets remain an important part of the city for years to come.

Wells Market has won Small Market of the Year Award at the 2026 NABMA National Awards, recognising the hard work of Wells City Council and its market team since taking responsibility for the markets in June 2025, and the fantastic array of traders and offering to the community.

The City Council took ownership of the weekly markets following devolution from Somerset Council in June 2025. Since then, the Council has worked closely with traders and partners to ensure a smooth transition, while also looking at ways to develop and improve the markets. 

Located in Wells Market Place, the weekly markets bring together local traders selling a wide range of goods, including food, clothing, gifts and jewellery. Traders have played a pivotal role throughout the transition, with their experience and feedback helping to shape the development of the markets.

The awards recognise the hard work, flexibility and commitment of the team during what has been a significant period of change. From managing the transfer to working through challenges and identifying opportunities to improve the market offer, the Council has worked closely with traders and partners to build a strong foundation for the future.

The Right Worshipful, the Mayor of Wells, Cllr Denise Denis said: “It was a delight to receive this prestigious award on Tuesday on behalf of the Council. The award represents the significant work undertaken since the market transferred to the City Council, to ensure that the market continues to thrive and remains the beacon of markets in the local area.”

The markets form an important part of Wells City Council's ambition for a vibrant city centre, a thriving local economy and a strong sense of place. Over the past year, the Council has introduced a monthly Sunday Market pilot scheme and expanded the popular Wells City Christmas Market, with this year’s offering on 12th and 13th December enveloping the whole city centre and being bigger than ever. 
The transfer has also seen the Market Charter return to Wells and be delivered locally, bringing responsibility for the markets back to the community.

Wells City Council would like to thank all the market traders, customers and partners who have supported the markets throughout the transition and continue to contribute to its success. The Council will continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce, traders and partners to build on the progress made and ensure Wells Markets remain an important part of the city for years to come.