Creative Christmas shopping gets under way in Brixton this weekend with indoor and outdoor events.
Downstairs at The Department Store will host Black Culture Market over the weekend, supporting emerging entrepreneurs and new Black businesses with opportunities to showcase and sell their products.
On Saturday (4 December) Brixton Station Passageway between Atlantic and Brixton Station Roads will be filled by a festive makers market celebration of Small Business Saturday from 11am to 4pm.
Organised by the Brixton Project in collaboration with Brixton Business Improvement District (BID) and the Arch Company – landlord for businesses in railway arches.
There will be entertainment from the London All Stars Steel Band and local creatives the Bureau of Silly Ideas, whose walking, talking, Christmas tree will interact with visitors and provide an entertaining and surreal dreamland feel.
The first 250 shoppers will receive a free gift bag from Brixton BID, filled with a limited-edition reusable coffee cup and notebook, both made from recycled paper cups.
A creative art transformation of the usually uninviting passage by local street artist Mr Dane, aka Luke Warburton and his collective will also be unveiled.
Local arch traders will be open for Christmas refreshments and treats.
Charlotte Cywinski, portfolio asset manager at The Arch Company, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating Small Business Saturday and hosting a community makers market to celebrate Brixton’s creative traders. It’s a great way to acknowledge the diverse array of businesses in the area and start the festive season.”
The Black Culture Market in The Department Store on Ferndale Road promises “a diverse, quality shopping and cultural experience” celebrating producers of the African and Caribbean community.
A selection of brands and products ranging through clothing, food, stationary, prints, cards, books, skincare, men’s wear, ceramics, jewellery, homeware, prints, gifts, toys, original accessories and more will be available.
There will be different traders on each day. Hours on both days are 11am to 5pm.
The event is free, but register in advance.
