On Sunday 5th May, we had a wide selection of Londoner's, passer-by's, tourists, and friends pile into Shoreditch Town Hall Basement to enjoy the eclectic products available to buy at Markets United. For the first time a collated collection of traders came together to represent the different markets that they trade at. Representing some of London's finest, the day was filled with good vibes and energy with lots of people browsing and buying unusual market goodies! As one trader put it, "We have met wonderful people and traders whom I don't usually meet at the Spitalfields."
The colourful Chido Bueno and their wonderful headdresses.
The first thing that caught people's attention was the unusual setting. The Shoreditch Town Hall Basement is a labyrinth of adjoining rooms, abandoned corridors and recessed nooks which traders took full advantage of when setting up our stalls. The industrial and distressed look of the venue gave us something to play around with, and made our launch different. Additional features included the London Markets Photo Exhibition, an art installation and a live music with alcohol provided by the fabulous Butler's Gin and Crate Brewery, both brewed in Hackney.
Above, "The Discussion" by contest runner-up Bella Harwood. Taken at Brixton market
We had a variety of market stalls at our event selling lots of weird and wonderful things, including recyclable nappies, mosaics, vintage clothing, bicycles, knitwear, jewellery, kaleidoscopes and vinyl.
Above, Snakes and Fairies, available at Portobello Green Market. We love her handmade jewellery especially the ear cuffs and feather rings!
Above, Love Bessie's stall who specialises in arts and crafts such as gift cards, gift boxes and homeware, with her fabulous Fifty Shades of Dirty trilogy tea towels!
Here is a look at Narcissus Design's set up, who feature at Brick Lane's Backyard market, specialising in bespoke mirrors.
Above Mixy Fandino's stall. Her products are beautiful handcrafted jewellery from the Colombian Andes, currently selling on ILM.
Everyone loves a bit of vinyl! Find Ken from Della Record's every Saturday at Broadway market.
This is a part of Yallah Yallah's stall who normally showcases her unique finds at Portobello Green Market.
These Handmade Kaleidoscopes went down really well. They were also being engraved right there and then! They make the perfect gift!
And we had a room filled with Full City Cycles! Ivan Angell (photo contest winner), caught a glimpse of his custom made Fixie!
The Frenchie (below) tantalized visitors with the aroma of melted french cheese working it's way around the corridors. Live music was being enjoyed throughout the day, from musicians Dawson, Mosi Conde, Rayon, ShotGun Queen, Martha, The Hobos, Broken Boat and The Greasy Slicks.
A BIG thank you to everyone who came down, or took part in the I Love Market's Launch Event 'Markets United' it was a great success! The event was proof that it's the PEOPLE that are so important in creating a fabulous market!
Come and join in the online action at
