The competition to become the best loved market in the UK starts on 26 May and Brixton wants to win it.
The BID, organisers of this year’s event, want to entice people to Brixton to see for themselves what a great place it is to shop, eat and drink. And to encourage the local community to join in the festivities.
Michael Smith, Bid director says: “Our markets are still among the most vibrant in London and we anticipate many visitors from across London and beyond to join in our celebrations.
“Brixton BID will, for the first time, lead key partners in putting on this 2017 festival. We know that revitalising our markets will lead to revitalised high street trading which will, in turn, stimulate grown in our local economy.
“But our local markets are not just in May but all year round. The challenge from this event is to make our markets relevant to the next generation of traders and customers while still meeting the needs of existing shoppers and traders.”
Brixton came third in the national Love Your Local Market competition last year. The BID and their partners want to make it to first place this year.
During the six-day celebration there will be plenty of action for everyone, with stalls, celebrity breakfast, give-aways, face painting, clowns, stilt walkers, world music and walking tours.
NatWest bank will host an advice session on the Tuesday where traders and small businesses can get advice on their internet presence.
The Market Traders Federation supported by Tree Shepherd are offering stalls on Brixton Station Road to community based artists, craft folk, makers and designers at bargain taster rates. Young people particularly welcome. Friday – Wednesday £15 for 1 – 4 days. £10 Tuesday and Wednesday. Book all 6 days for £10 off.
To book a stall email Lydia at Tree Shepherd.
Visit the Brixton Historical Society stall on Saturday to find out more about the history of the market and sign up for a market walk. Walking tours will take place each day from 2.30 to 3.30pm. If you can’t make it during the day, sign up for the night walk on Tuesday at 7pm. Find out more here
If salsa and samba don’t do it for you, then there’s always the DJ or bagpipe sessions.
T-shirts, love pins and goodie bags will be distributed throughout the week.
Dates for your diary
(Timings subject to confirmation)
Friday 26 May
8.30 am – Breakfast media launch
12pm – Samba performance
1pm – Tango dancers
2.30pm – Walking tour
3pm – Samba performance
4pm – Tango dancers
5pm – Brazilian festival performance
7 – 11pm DJ Session
Saturday 27 May
11am – Shutter painting with young people
11 – 3.30 Face painting and magician
12.30pm – Bagpipes
2pm – Salsa dancing
2.30pm – Walking tour
3 pm bagpipes
4 pm Salsa dancing
7 – 11pm DJ Session
Sunday 28 May
8.30am – 6pm Farmers market
11.30am – Bagpipes
7 – 10.30pm DJ Session
Monday 29 May
Book signing at BCA (Tbc)
Book signing (Tbc)
2.30pm Walking tour
Tuesday 20 May
Natwest workshop
2.30pm Walking tour
7pm Night walking tour
Wednesday 31 May
2.30pm Walking tour
7 – 10pm Wrap party with live band
