Africa Comes To East London

Tasharna Brown Taylor strolls into Spitalfields and sees an array of African prints.

african market2
Photo: Open The Gate

At the end of last month, old Spitalfields market was turned temporarily into a corner of Africa. Organised by social enterprise Open The Gate, the African Market had set up shop.

Although at first I felt a little let down – for a couple of minutes I couldn’t see the colourful prints I had been looking forward to, I turned a corner and suddenly the market came to life.

Everywhere I looked there was an African stall selling clothes, jewellery, hair products, beauty products, head wraps, homeware, shoes, accessories and cutlery, all of which were hand made. Plus a variety of food from all corners of the continent.

After two hours of exploring I walked away with some great beauty and hair products, and I had even met some creative African designers.

The next African Market is due to take place at old Spitalfields market on 26 March 2016.

Strongly recommended!

No posts to display