Barking Made Winter Market is taking place this weekend

The market takes place over two days at two venues (Pic-Faust)

A new market selling Barking made items is coming to the Barking Riverside this weekend.

Local traders will join together for Barking Made Winter Market to help promote some festive cheer, taking place at The Wilds on Saturday 4, December, and at The Rivergate Centre on Sunday 5, December at Barking Riverside.

The event on Sunday also coincided with the Rivergate square light switch on.  

Traders will include House of Loulee, who make African-inspired apparel and toys, there will also be stalls from Empress Juicery, which creates healthy juices, and Sleep Goddess, whose unique range of handmade vegan sleep products has been featured in the likes of Stylist Magazine.

Street food traders will offer everything from Mulled Wine and festive German-style sausages to handmade pasta.

There will also be a number of performances taking place, these will include a steel band playing a mixture of festive tunes and Caribbean-inspired music, as well as performances from Pullman’s Dance Academy. 

A partnership between local residents and developers Barking Riverside Limited has helped to design the two events.

Sarah McCready is head of placemaking and communications, she said, “There is real entrepreneurial energy across Barking and Dagenham, so harnessing this and championing ‘Barking Made’ businesses is vital as we build one of the UK’s largest housing projects.

“Our ambition is to grow the scale of the market, creating a recognisable brand and showcasing even more talent. Events like this not only provide an enjoyable evening for residents and visitors but also set the tone for how Barking Riverside Limited wants to approach economic growth in the area.

“We are very proud that for our first market, over 50% of the traders are Barking Riverside entrepreneurs, and all the products on sale are produced right here in Barking and Dagenham.”

The Barking Made Winter Market will take place on Saturday 4, December between 16:00-20:00 at The Wilds, Northgate Road IG11 0AN and on Sunday 5, December between 12:00 and 17:00 at the Rivergate Centre, IG11 0FJ. 

No tickets are required and visitors are asked not to attend the event if they are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19.

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