Woodgrange Market is a familiar sight to Forest Gate locals every Saturday between 10am to 3pm.

Laura Glendinning and Alicia Francis started the market 10 years ago, inspired by their friends who produced arts and crafts but had to go out of the Borough to sell their work.

They wanted to provide a community hub where people could shop and meet up, enjoying a different retail experience.

A council market, it is run by Laura and Alicia on a voluntary basis. Traders pay £15 for the chance to be part of the market with its distinctive yellow gazebos.

There is an eclectic mix of regulars and ad hoc stall holders. Some of the regulars include Italian food, organic vegetables, bread, olives and second-hand books, crafters, vintage sellers, artists, and plant sellers. There are also stalls whose proceeds go to charity.

A specialist service for cyclists is available on the second Saturday of each month. You can bring your bike down for repair by Newham Cyclists.

This is a great opportunity to test the market for a new product. You can hire a stall for up to three times, with the market covering your insurance for those days.

Laura said: “During lockdown, the market was involved in an amazing project in partnership with Grove Guest House and Occasional Art School E7 to help with isolation. About 80 people took part in crocheting a Christmas tree for the marketplace.”

The Gate Library will have an exhibition during December showing how the tree was made.

Events in December

Saturday, 4 December:

3pm: Craft Making for Children

3.45pm: Christmas Carol Singing

4pm: Turning on Christmas lights

Free refreshments provided

Saturday, 11 December:

3pm: Performance by King Toadfish & The All Weather Riders, a multi-genre community band

Free refreshments provided

Booking details:

Stalls are now fully booked until the New Year. Sometimes there are cancellations.

For more information, email woodgrangemarketplace@gmail.com.

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