The market team display an advanced growing technique It is an exciting week for Crystal Palace Food Market with the BBC Food & Farming awards ceremony on Thursday 30th. Organisers of the market, Karen and Laura, will be at the ceremony in Bristol to find out which Food Market will come home with first prize, but whatever the outcome, being placed in the top three food markets in the country is pretty exciting news!
The Food Market’s story began at the first CPTT AGM in 2012 and I discovered the market a few months after it opened in 2013 when I was walking along Westow Street and bumped into two obviously daft men dressed as giant carrots holding arrows pointing down Haynes Lane.
The Food Market’s story began at the first CPTT AGM in 2012 and I discovered the market a few months after it opened in 2013 when I was walking along Westow Street and bumped into two obviously daft men dressed as giant carrots holding arrows pointing down Haynes Lane.
It was my first interaction with the Transition Town movement and to begin with just seemed like an interesting place to visit on an occasional Saturday to buy delicious cakes, but slowly a trip to the market became part of my weekly routine. At the moment produce from the great selection of stalls supplement my weekly shop, but the hope is for it to eventually replace my supermarket dependence all together, just whenever I can get over my supernoodle addiction.
This is what I love about the atmosphere created by the market. There is no expectation or pretension; everyone is welcome whether you are coming to do your main weekly shop, a top up or just having an occasional visit.
It is the first place for many, like myself, to learn about transition principles such as supporting small traditional farmers and local producers. It also highlights the important message of empowerment – after all if they can do it, you too can join with your friends or neighbours and create something positive.
The Food and Farming awards were looking for a ‘regular market bringing together a wide range of great producers, serving a local community by providing fresh, quality, affordable food.’ Crystal Palace Food Market is up against community run social enterprise Levenshulme Market and Doncaster market, the biggest traditional market in the North.
So on Thursday don’t forget to keep your fingers and toes crossed, and whatever the final decision, I think you will agree that we can be very proud of our fantastic market and the team who work tirelessly to make it as wonderful as it is.
To find out more about the BBC Food and Farming awards, check out their website and if you don’t already, make sure you follow Crystal Palace Food Market on Facebook and Twitter.
 The Grain Grocers |  Cakes from Owl Kitchen |
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