Community Markets in London are on the rise as people seem to be recognising the positive impact they can have on local communities and economy. Last month I brought you the story behind the community market triumph that is the West Norwood Feast (add link to article). The Feast is a gleaming example of how people powered community markets can unite people, support the local economy and make people proud to live there. With community rooted at the very heart of market culture, even if you’re market isn’t a community market in the purest form, involving your local community and creating a strong community of traders and local businesses will bring longevity for your market. As Lucy from the West Norwood Feast explained, the strength of The Feast comes from involving the whole local community independent businesses, including shops on the high street. I the second of this two-part community focus, we shine the light on a selection of other London based community markets that we can be inspired by. I predict that this is just the start, with plenty more success stories to come!
The Growing Communities Farmers’ Market It was the winner of The Best Independent Retailer by the Observer’s Monthly Food Awards. The Growing Communities Farmers’ Market is an organic success story. It’s a weekly Saturday market held on Stoke Newington High Street. All traders are either organic or bio-dynamic farmers. The ethos behind the market is about shopping local and directly from farms around London. Supported by the Mayor of London’s food advisor and successful journalist Rosie Bycot, talking about Hackney’s Growing Communities she says, “It’s a fantastic enterprise: in addition to providing fresh, seasonal vegetables, Growing Communities is also a neighbourhood focal point: cookery demos, the farmers’ market, lessons in how to grow veg and the community spirit generated by belonging to the scheme are just some of its benefits. The fact that [Julie Brown] has also created jobs in a tough market gives real meaning to that much over-used word “sustainability”
Brixton Station Road Market Brixton Station Road Market has gone from strength to strength in recent years. It’s unusual in that it’s is run by the federation of traders themselves, with any profits made being pumped directly back into the market. The market is also powered by a group of passionate volunteers including John Gordon, who is very much the driving heroic force behind the market. The market a different market each week including the monthly Makers Market which supports local artists and makers who for the makerhood.com
Market N13 Market N13 is a new community initiative in Palmer’s Green. The motivation behind Market N13 came from local business women Anita, who saw a decline in her own small business after the local market closed. Market13 is held monthly by Palmers Green Station. They are currently seeking new volunteers and local partnerships.
LOET The League of Extraordinary Traders (LOET) is an independent cooperative of London designers, vintage collectors and craftspeople who hold regular market events at the Earl Haig in Crouch End. Its not-for-profit so the stall costs are kept to a minimum and everyone plays their part in helping to organise and promote the market.
If you’re running an inspiring community market I’d love to hear from you, tweet Katie @ilovemarkets
Katie Ingham, Director of I Love Markets. I Love Markets is an ambassador for London’s Markets helping to promote and celebrate London’s vibrant and soulful Market Scene as well as all the great independent businesses found within them. Katie Ingham is passionate about London’s Markets and the different communities and cultures which make each of them unique.
For more info visit: http://www.ilovemarkets.com/