Market traders get into the festive spirit with Christmas jumpers
Wrap up and wander down to the ever-popular North End Road Christmas Market on Saturday 9 December.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s pedestrian-friendly seasonal markets have put the historic Fulham road back on the map attracting new regular shoppers and traders to the street.
More than 13,000 people visited the superb Autumn North End Road Market in September.
“We’re expecting this year’s Christmas street market in North End Road to be London’s biggest.” said Cllr Andrew Jones, H&F Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration. “Our seasonal traffic-free markets help to boost the street’s reputation as a major shopping destination.”
Festive fun
Christmas sounds will ring out from carol singers, the Fulham Brass Band, a rock choir and an a cappella quartet belting out Yuletide tunes such as Jingle Bell Rock and Santa Baby at the North End Road Christmas Market.
There is also eye-catching street entertainment to keep all the family entertained, including acrobatic elves, roller-skating satsumas, the snow balls, a one-man band and, of course, a visit from Santa.
Trader’s treats
Kate Cummins was a real hit at her first North End Road seasonal market last year, bringing a touch of the Caribbean to the street with her Barbados-inspired hand-crafted jewellery.
The KC Loves founder has been hard at work in preparation for the upcoming Christmas Market.
“The seasonal markets have certainly helped me move my business forward and I’d certainly recommend them to potential traders,” said Kate. “As well as selling quite a few pieces, I’ve built up plenty of contacts who have also bought from me later and new customers are coming to see me at the market on the recommendation of people who’ve been before.”
Kate started out making jewellery as a hobby when she began taking silversmith evening classes. The Fulham resident then began to sell her silver creations at weekend arts and crafts fairs before discovering the North End Road seasonal markets.
Kate works at a nursery part-time while she looks to take her business to the next level.
Thames Water emergency works
Traders continue to flourish on the historic road in the build-up to Christmas as pedestrians still have access to North End Road while repairs are done to a collapsed sewer close to West Kensington Underground station.
H&F Council has required Thames Water to expand its workforce and work 8am to 10pm seven days a week to fix the problem urgently and minimise disruption to residents and businesses.
