The new way to do Sundays: Soho Flea Market, 27th May

Summer is approaching, the weather is getting warmer (albeit slightly damp) and that leaves us looking more and more for something different to do with our weekends. If like me, you are itching to get out and about in our great city on a weekend and looking for something different to do, be sure not to pass up a visit to Soho Flea Market on Sunday 27^th May!

The event takes place on Dean Street in Soho. This unique new event in the heart of London’s West End brings together some of the cities up-and-coming creative talent: artisans, artists, fashion designers, jewellery designers, film-makers and musicians will all take part in the Soho Flea Market . The event is being held in support of HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust, making this a great way to spend a day and also give back to a great cause.

So what exactly will be going on? Between 12pm and 8pm, Dean Street will be closed to traffic and specifically-curated “creative market stalls” will exhibit and sell directly to the public.  Think of a flea market as an upscale car boot sale. A long time social fixture in American cities such as New York, where browsing flea markets is somewhat a post weekend brunch tradition, the Soho Flea Market will feature stalls from a slew of talented creatives. Amongst the staggering list of participants – many of who are “off the radar”, marking this event as your perfect chance to make a discovery before everyone else – are acclaimed ceramics designer, Lou Rota; luxury organic skincare brand, Tenderproduct; Red Dot design award winner, Skin Bistro; innovative technology and film specialists, Rokos; unsigned music specialist, Dreammaker-Media; recycled and organic clothing designer, Bandwagon; Space 1a Design; Spanish artists in London, SAL; ethical, edgy evening wear designer, Yvian and beauty treatment specialist, Filthy Gorgeous. You can also find beautiful and fun casual wear from Plane Clothing and stylish leather bags and accessories from Nette Leather Goods. If you are after vintage designs to die for, be sure to scout out Syd & Mallory and to spice up your home visit Melanie Porter, a unique and bespoke knitted covered furniture maker!

The organiser, City Showcase, will host an outdoor stage to coincide with the market. Featuring new and emerging music and comedy acts including Sam Gray, Hudson Taylor, Akayzia and comedian Paul T Eyres, there will be something for everyone.  The opening act is none other than actor and classical singer Julian Ovenden who rose to fame playing Andrew Foyle on ITV’s Foyle’s War and is promoting his new album If You Stay, released on Decca Records. This part of the event will be opened by “The New Queen of Soho” philanthropist and property heiress, Fawn James.

For Art lovers, you won’t want to miss artists Chloe Cheese, Alan Cox and John White, who will be exhibiting at The French House exclusively for Soho Flea Market.

As if all of this is not enough to entice you to the event, local businesses are also getting in on the act and showing their support for the Soho Flea Market and Terrence Higgins Trust! Pizza Express, The Groucho Club, The Soho House Group, Dean Street Studios, The French House, Cay Tre, Candy Bar, Toucan, Zenna Bar, Soho Theatre and Blacks are all getting involved, many of whom will be hosting special events including art exhibitions, fashion shows and live music! 

Mark down 27^th  May in your diaries folks; hit up one of Soho’s fantastic array of restaurants and cafés for a leisurely brunch to begin, then spend your afternoon strolling around the stalls and enjoying the flea market and amazing events. The perfect start to a summer of fun!

Soho Flea Market, Dean Street Soho W1 12-8pm. Visit their website here.

Ian Michael Turner