Christmas theme for Valley Market
BAY food lovers have been embracing the city’s by now hugely successful food fair, the Valley Market, since it started in the Baakens Valley in May last year.
The final market of the year tomorrow will have a Christmas theme and will see a wide variety of artisanal food stalls, entertainment, as well as Christmas gift shopping options under one roof.
Styled along similar lines as the popular Wild Oats in Sedgefield, the Valley Market is the brainchild of Elaine Watson, of non-profit organisation Love Story.
“We have seen our market grow from strength to strength over the past year, specifically after our move to the Tramways building” she said.
It also has a night market counterpart that has attracted a loyal following, with many locals making a fun evening of it by packing in some drinks (BYO is acceptable as the building doesn’t have a liquor licence) and taking their families and friends along.
There is no Goodnight Market planned for December, but the next one will be on Thursday January 19 from 5 to 9pm.
“We thought we’d offer the public something different than the usual Valley Market . . . putting on a Christmas market is going to meet all the needs the public may have this festive season,” Watson said.
Among the many stalls to look forward to on the food front tomorrow are Brixton Foods, which sells vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Foongs is another favourite with their fusion of Asian cuisine – their “veld box” is a popular order.
“Love Story has also had the privilege of being given its own range of gelato ice creams by a local manufacturer,” Watson said. These come in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavours and cost R20 each, with all profits going to social upliftment.
In addition there would be some lovely gifts on offer, Watson said, for instance from Zanner Pottery and Live Bespoke, the latter a range of quirky laser-engraved gifts and homeware items.
Entertainment will be provided by local talents Charlie Finch and Michelle Olivier.
All proceeds at the door will go to Love Story’s community projects.
“Love Story will be handing out ‘Buckets of Blessing’ on Boxing Day [Monday December 26] to more than 250 homeless men, women and children,” Watson added.
“We’d also like to invite market goers to make a contribution this Christmas season by either paying for a bucket at R100 or bringing along with them canned food and non-perishables to the market on Saturday.”
The Valley Christmas Market is sponsored by Hopewell Conservation Estate and there will be lucky draws and giveaways on behalf of the estate tomorrow.
ý Catch the Valley Christmas Market from 9am to 2pm at the Tramways building tomorrow. Entrance is R10.