In April 2021 we were excited to launch our first sponsored Romford Market Stall. We began our Arts & Culture Stall with YAYmates who are made up of a local network of artists and makers.

The stall sold items such as paintings, drawings, handmade jewellery, handmade craft, publications, prints and home décor items, unique handmade bespoke clothing, tote bags and notepads and cards.

In the following weeks on the Arts & Culture Stall we hosted activities and trades such as gaming, which included board games and big games like giant Jenga and small performances. We also had several different food stalls, tapping into cultural cuisine within the Romford business community.

Our second stall was for a new start up stall, sponsored and supported by Romford BID. 'Courtneys Cakes' was chosen out of all those who applied, to be in the market every weekend for 6 months!

Courtney Gwatkin is a professionally trained pastry chef, with industry experience that spans over 12 years. As Covid gripped the nation, her industry hit the floor and so through lockdown Courtney developed her own business.

The success of these stalls has been huge, and we plan to run the sponsorship again for 2022. Courtney now has her own stall in the market on a Saturday and some of the other stall holders want to return again.