Indie markets get festive

Next Article

Food & Drink

Have yourself a very local Christmas ―

By Holly O'Mahony

Make a date with South London’s festive markets

‘An article about Christmas shopping in September? You’ve got to be kidding,’ you *might* be thinking. Hear us out, though, because south London’s blink-and-you’llmiss-them craft markets are treasure troves for sustainable gifting – so put these dates in your diary now. CrAFTy FOx MArkET

With locations in Elephant and Castle and King’s Cross, Crafty Fox Market has been steadily growing a reputation for the last 10 years. Its monthly makers’ market in SE1, at epic Italian and street food market Mercato Metropolitano, is a chance to shop for independent goods including clothes, toys, homeware and accessories. The sprawling market is never more charming than in the run-up to Christmas, when a spot of shopping can be accompanied by some festive food and seasonal drinks.

WHEN: October 1, November 5 & 6, December 3 & 4 WHERE: Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR VISIT: www.craftyfoxmarket.co.uk/markets

BLACk CuLTurE MArkET

Now here’s a market doing some good for the community: the Black Culture Market runs with the purpose of supporting emerging entrepreneurs and businesses owned by those of African and Caribbean descent. It provides these traders with a platform to sell their products face-to-face, where they can also forge connections within the community. The initiative runs all over London (and beyond), but its next event is down in Brixton, where you can shop for an array of gifts, cards, prints, skin care products, clothing, jewellery and more. Head downstairs at the Department Store to support local black businesses.

WHEN: October 1 & 2, 11am - 5pm WHERE: Downstairs at the Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road, London SW9 8FR VISIT: www.blackculturemarket.co.uk/

DEsIGn LED: THE sATurDAy MAkErs' MArkET

Behold: a new makers’ market in Wandsworth Town. It’s being run by Design Led, an events platform with several other markets across the city, and it’s throwing open its doors on October 1 – with several more dates between then and Christmas. Head on down to plump up your stockings with sustainable brands, homeware, fashion, artisan condiments and more.

WHEN: October 1, November 5 & 26, December 3 & 17, 11am - 4:30pm WHERE: Ram Quarter, Wandsworth Town, SW18 VISIT: www.instagram.com/designledofficial/

THE BOTTLE FACTOry FLEA

Run by the people behind bargain-savvy Peckham Carboot, The Bottle Factory Flea is a monthly vintage market specialising in clothing, furniture and period ornaments. One for romantics in love with a bygone era as well as those doing up a home, The Bottle Factory Flea promises 40 traders at its October event – and keep your eyes peeled for announcements of a Christmas market soon. You’ll find it just off the Old Kent Road. Admission costs £2pp.

WHEN: 2 October, 10am - 4pm; Christmas market date tbc WHERE: 12 Ossory Road, London SE1 5AN VISIT: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-bottlefactory-flea-tickets-407916949577

A Golden Era for st Dunstan’s College

St Dunstan’s College, Catford, south London, was delighted to be named Independent Senior School of the Year in June at the Tes Awards 2022 at Grosvenor House Hotel.

The awards, known as the Oscars of Education, celebrate the work of teachers and schools across the United Kingdom. The event was held in person for the first time since the start of the pandemic, and for the first time in Tes’s history the awards brought together both state and independent schools for the ceremony.

Speaking about the award, St Dunstan’s Head, Mr Nick Hewlett said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised in this way. It is testament to the extraordinary drive and ambition of so many that we have been able to create the unique school culture we enjoy today.

‘To transform a school so that it challenges and trailblazes in the sector takes a colossal community effort. My gratitude goes to everyone who has contributed to our incredible journey as a school.’

Winners were chosen by a panel of experts – including school leaders, inspectors, and education researchers.

Judge David James has worked in independent schools for over 20 years and is an experienced inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate. He said: ‘There’s a very clear and coherent vision of what they want to do, both with the curriculum and the local community.

‘The head is asking interesting questions of the sector, including areas like privilege and responsibility, which go beyond the usual platitudes. It’s a really interesting school in a tough market, trying to not just survive but actually make something different for the children and families they’re working with.’

The award comes at an exciting time for St Dunstan’s. Last year, the College’s new £25million Junior School, STEM and Sixth Form buildings officially opened, which were the most significant developments since the school opened in 1888. The College’s forwardthinking approach is now matched by modern, bright, and inspirational facilities. St Dunstan’s has also been shortlisted for eight awards at the upcoming Independent Schools of the Year Awards in October. Find out more about life at St Dunstan’s College at www.stdunstans.org.uk

pExMAs

A giant Peckham warehouse with a maze of 100 stalls awaits visitors to Pexmas (PEckham at ChristMAS, get it?). An annual affair and the biggest Christmas market in SE15, Pexmas is a chance to shop for hip, design-led goods – from ceramics to wall hangings - as well as artisan food produce. If you can’t make the two-day market, then head online, where Stall to Store, the market’s online alterego, runs as a lifestyle and gift store all year round.

WHEN: December 3 & 4, 11am - 6pm WHERE: Copeland Park and Bussey Building, 133 Copeland Road, Peckham, London SE15 3SN VISIT: www.pexmas.com/

Blackheath Christmas Fair

Sunday 20 November 10.30am – 4.45pm Blackheath Halls 23 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ £2.50 entry (Free to Friends and under 16s)

Devika James Audiology

vEnn sTrEET MArkET

While not exclusively a Christmas market, Venn Street Saturday market in Clapham is especially lovely to browse during the festive season. A community food market that platforms farmers and independent producers, Venn Street has your gourmet Christmas spread covered, with choice cuts of meats, quality cheeses, farm-to-fork veg, freshly baked goods, plus some jarred stocking fillers and decorations. Better still, you can enjoy a hearty pastry, a steaming cup of mulled wine or some tropical street food while you shop.

WHEN: Saturdays, 10am - 4pm WHERE: Venn Street, Clapham, SW4 0AT VISIT: www.vennstreetmarket.co.uk/

DuLWICH CHrIsTMAs MArkET

Standing bold as brass in quaint Dulwich Village is St. Barnabas Parish Hall, where SoLo Craft Fair is hosting its Christmas Market this November – a chance to make a relatively early start on your present buying. Fifty independent businesses and local makers are running stalls inside the church, which is a chance to shop for everything from art to homeware, clothing and jewellery. Four-legged friends are welcome too, so you can tie your visit in with a walk around peaceful Dulwich Park.

WHEN: November 26, 11am - 4pm WHERE: St. Barnabas Parish Hall, 21 Dulwich Village, London SE21 7BT VISIT: www.solocraftfair.com/upcomingevents-1/2022/4/30/dulwich-spring-market-7bw6a

Celebrating the people, stories & history of medicine from the Old St Thomas ' Hospital in London Bridge

www.oldoperatingtheatre.com

Admission Charged Registered Charity Number 1155078