Brockley Christmas Market biggest yet
We were only able to get to make it to the Brockley Christmas Market yesterday, so can't report back on the Deptford Fair and Ladywell Market. But the scene at Coulgate Street was impressive.
Having grown from a small collection of stalls three years ago, the event no longer feels like it's just an excuse for the community to get together, it's now a place you can go to do some Christmas shopping.
With a new layout that stretched the length of the road, it's commercially sustainable, with all 40 stalls occupied and a big public turnout throughout the day. The organisers, the Brockley Cross Action Group, tell us that they now operate a waiting list for stalls.
The newly-lit Christmas tree on Brockley Common looks great too.
If you made it along to any of the three events, please post your reviews here.
30 comments:
Only had time for a fleeting visit yesterday but it felt really, well, Christmassy. A good mix of local businesses running stalls and people selling Christmas trinkets. Some lovely hand-made cards.
I guess I was there about 1pm and there was a real buzz, accompanied by some very pleasant music. It felt like a very good place to be.
Didn't notice the tree until we headed Hackney-ward in the evening. Lovely.
Well done to everyone involved. Hope those selling stuff did well out of it.
I paid a visit, briefly, towards the end. I understand alot of traders had run out of goods, so was obviously a very high turn out!
The music was very good, really enjoyed the atmosphere. I wish it was open longer though, perhaps until say 8pm with music and festivities in the evening.
I really enjoyed it - cant wait for next year.
I enjoyed the event but found the mulled wine slightly toxic (way too alcoholic) - i had to bin it unfortunately, which is the second year on the trot. All to a good cause though.
Mulled wine can never be too alcoholic!! Maybe suggest they do a non-alcoholic mulled apple juice as well!
They did!
I was on my way to a friend's house for Christmas dinner and had been told to bring mince pies, plate, cutlery and a secret santa gift. I managed to get all of these from the market - dinner plate from the second hand stall and plastic cutlery with mince pies and a cup of pork & lemon soup.
Really good to see a community event popular and well-run, all of the stalls looked great and it was nice to have the cafes behind open during the day.
Definitely the best year yet. There was a really good atmosphere, lots of things you would actually want to buy and eat, and it didn't rain.
Your gift was a cup of soup? Where was the party you were going to, a Dickensian orphanage?
I went to both Ladywell and Brockley fairs. Very different beasts but both pleasant in their own way. Ladywell was very small and intimate with a lovely meat stall, nice bread stall and a few arts and crafts and pottery etc. Brockley was really quite impressive with some genuinely lovely things to buy - beautiful little leather purses etc, and some great jewellery including some silver pieces with leaf prints made by a lady on Wickham rd. I was sorely tempted but unfortunately too pricey for me at this time of year! Overall I feel very positive about the area after yesterday's festivities.
I also wondered about the soup - that, with the lemon, perhaps it was soap...
Sounds great - sorry to have missed it.
Please let it become 2 days and eventually maybe even a week long event...
anyone go to the new Deptford one?
@ Anon 1.35 Given that the people who organise it do so for nothing and in their "spare" time - have some pity. The public who enjoy them often say that the Festivals (Brockley Max and Telegraph Hill) should expand and last longer but it more than those who are willing to work at it can manage.
The pork and lemon soup was definitely a soup (of the Polish variety) and was a gift from me to me. I picked up a knitted monkey as my secret santa. Also very impressed by the lady with the screen printed Christmas cards and gift tags.
Photo of the market: http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5085/5252041084_ce630eef71_o.jpg
here's the photo: http://bit.ly/g6A01s
Thanks Simon. Nice pic.
Yes, good photo.
How about making it a monthly event.There must be organizational synergies that can exploited and the money could help to complete the common and cross
I completely agree with the last Anonymous: I'm sure there'd be a demand for a monthly market in the North Cross Road style.
That's a notion I would be more enthusiastic for - an afternoon (say 1 to 6) a month following on from one or other of the Farmers markets.
Let people get involved with the BXAG and work on it.
I thought the market was lovely - a mix of stalls, entertainment and delicious mulled wine - the best I've ever tasted actually! There was a warm, 'chrismassy' atmosphere, and considering it was organised by volunteers from the community, I think it was a huge success! Go, Brockley Action Group! :)
Ps: Olive oil man was a gem! And maybe 2 mulled wine stalls top and tail next year? I'm sure you'd sell out!
I like the idea of a Northcross road style market each week/month. Build it and they will come.
also like to add that it would be a great way to galvanise Brockley's identity and bring people/money in from neighbouring communities. It could be a big draw - and if people are coming every week to a market, it may encourage businesses to open up in the area knowing that Brockley regularly brings in outside business.
Oi! can't we keep some of our people and money in our own neighbouring communities! I have visions of myself sliding down into Brockley, as into a cartoon black hole.
Brockley Pounds anyone? No idea if the concept works as a way of supporting small shops or if it's a cynical ploy to lock you into particular retailers.
http://brixtonpound.org/
Maybe the Council would have objection to a market every week,monthly maybe ok though.
Well now that we get a Sainsbury next door, I think a monthly market is a must ;)
i have been selling at various farmers and food markets now for 4 years or more
i can honestly say that the people and atmosphere at brockley market
is the best i have ever encountered
i honestly feel that a monthly market at brockley would be a success
full credit to the organisers
I think the market was a great success. A very pleasant atmosphere and the stalls full of nice gifts and tasty food. I very much enjoyed the singing.
I think it could have been promoted a bit better.
I later went to the Chocolate Fair behind the Festival Hall - which was also excellent.
Post a Comment