New Christmas Market to Launch in Iconic Hackney Venue – 15th, 16th, 17th December

The Oval Christmas Market to launch with food and drink from Pophams and Kricket alongside 20+ independent British brands 

The Oval Christmas Market is set to launch in renowned East London venue, formerly Oval Space, just in time for Christmas. From Friday 15th to Sunday 17th December, the new indoor Christmas market will bring together some of the city’s best foodie institutions, including Kricket and Pophams. With a carefully curated selection of over 20 British brands, artists, and makers, along with family entertainment, the market is poised to become a festive hotspot.

Over the weekend guests can indulge in seasonal culinary delights, explore an exclusive array of gifts, and savour a festive tipple. The event promises family-friendly entertainment, coffee, and mulled wine throughout the day and as the sun sets on Friday and Saturday evenings, the market will transform into an ideal venue for festive drinks and late night shopping, accompanied by DJs. Meanwhile, the daytime festivities on Saturday and Sunday maintain a family-friendly festive vibe, with free face painting on offer and a special visit from Father Christmas, ensuring there is something on offer for everyone.

Choose from an array of festive foodie favourites to enjoy whilst you browse, including hot chocolate topped with house-made marshmallows and King’s Ginger Mince pies from Pophams, cruller doughnuts from PINCH. Enjoy bespoke offerings from Kricket, combining British ingredients with the flavours and aromas of India, such as Hyderabadi Baby Aubergine with coconut and curry leaf, comforting Matar Paneer, and Kricket classic, Old Delhi Chicken with tandoor boneless chicken thigh.

The Oval Christmas Market aims to shine a light on the creativity and talent of independent British talent, makers and designers. Vendors highlights include linen for all seasons from Flax London, luxury refillable hand and body care products from Reia, British made menswear using best in class natural fibres from Sims Wear, paintings and ceramics from dancer and movement artist Mina Beresford Art, London art from Tomartacus, Hackney design duo and discover unique pieces from compressed recycled paper from 3RD/ DIADEM. Each vendor has grown a cult following owing to the quality of their products and the passion behind their creation. Many of the brands’ founders will be onsite to offer expert gifting advice and share their stories directly with shoppers.

London floral studio Ray Ray’s Flowers will be hosting a wreath making workshop on Sunday the 17th, showing guests how to make their own festive wreath using a mix of seasonal foliage such as pine, conifer and cypress, berries and pine cones. Tickets will be £65 each, please email [email protected] to confirm your place.

Other event highlights will include:

• Pophams will be offering a wonderful section of homeware from independent makers including ceramics, linens and glassware alongside its culinary offering.

• Botivo – the aperitif inspired drink (0% ABV) made by hand in Hertfordshire and packed with bittersweet, herbal and citrus notes and loved by sommeliers, chefs and food critics.

• The Italian Wine Shop – a specialty Italian wine and lifestyle brand, specialising in small-batch production Italian wines from all four corners of the country. The perfect place to pick up a bottle or two for the festivities.

• Angie Power London– independent, London-based fashion label inspired by the heavily romantic and powerfully feminine, original pieces as playful as they are timeless.

• Sherice Banya– handmade gifts ranging from resin earrings, coasters, trinket trays to guitar picks.

• Montunas– luxury accessories for the global woman, a celebration of Costa Rica and London, the homes of the family behind the brand.

Tom Hurst, co-founder of The Oval Christmas Market, said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting a festive market in this iconic East London venue. We want to offer something for everyone with a family-friendly atmosphere by day and drinks and DJs by night. Visitors can buy unique Christmas gifts from our talented vendors, eat, drink and make merry with friends and family.”

In the spirit of giving back, The Oval Christmas Market will allocate a share of its profits to support Hackney Night Shelter, donations are particularly crucial at this time of year as the nights get colder.

Event Details:

• Tickets: Early bird tickets £4, purchase here

• Dates: 15th – 17th December 2023

• Opening Times: 15th – 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm, 16th – 10:00 am – 9:30 pm, and 17th – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

• Shopping: Clothing, accessories, homeware, wine, and more

• Food and Drink: Mulled wine, food from Kricket, Pophams, and PINCH

• Music: DJs on Friday and Saturday evenings

• Family Activities: Free face painting for kids 10am-2pm on Saturday and Sunday and Christmas films

• Wreath-Making Workshop: Hosted by Ray Ray’s Flowers on Sunday

Getting there

Location: LOCK Warehouse, 29-32 The Oval, London E2 9DT

Nestled alongside the picturesque Regent Canal and Bethnal Green Gasworks, the venue is conveniently located just an 8-minute walk from Bethnal Green Station. For those using the Overground, Cambridge Heath is just around the corner.