Christmas is just around the corner. Either you are in panic, not knowing what to buy for your friends and families, or struggling to find a nice place where you can hang out with your pals, you don’t have to worry anymore. Ease the season’s stress and check out the place most worth visiting in Peckham over Christmas.
One thing you wouldn’t want to miss is the Peckham Festive Market PEXMAS. It’s free entry and open from 11 am to 6 pm on weekends in December. You can find plenty of DIY products in the market, ranging from handmade pottery dishes and bowls to self-design hoodies. Hand-carved jewellery, DIY hand cream and handmade knitwear can be found in PEXMAS as well. There are also exotic home decorations, such as sesaths from India and fabric collages.
What’s so special about this market is that all the traders come from small local businesses. So why not take this opportunity and support them if you are having a great time in this market?
“This is the second year we organised PEXAMS. Many locals came to support us last year and I would say it was a success. Hence I would like to do the same this year. What’s the harm in bringing a little festival vibe to the community?” says Ellamae Statham, who wants to share her ‘dream world’ with the public. “One of the problems that artists always face is not getting enough spotlight. Having my own place in this market sale is wonderful. I hope more people can get to know me and my artwork.”
Statham suffers mental health issues but hopes she can make good use of her creative skills to design powerful pieces. “I’m best known for my bright and eclectic concepts that are full of colour and magic! I take inspiration from mental health, stories, people, magic and all things colourful, glittery and sparkly.”
“This is the first time I joined PEXAMS as a trader,” says Elisabeth Buecher, designer of Fleur de Trésor. “I visited PEXMAS last year as a visitor and I am totally amazed by the vibe of this Christmas market. They don’t overcharge traders to make a profit and open to a broad range of businesses. Then I ask myself why not give it a try? That’s why I came back as a trader and ran one of the stalls this year.”
Fleur de Trésor is a small business that sellls unique pieces of hand- made jewellery with real pressed flowers. All the blossoms in Buecher’s jewelleries are collected in South London, either in parks or her backyard. “The flowers on the products I sell today are collected in Peckham Rye Park on purpose. Afterall, this market sale is about Peckham, right?” She laughed.
Tash Gorst is excited about what Pexmas stands for. “We encourage community building, placemaking and the promotion of small business through independent events, markets and social spaces.”
Gorst makes clear that she is proud of being one of the ‘Peckhamer’. “We believe in celebrating your roots, your achievements and the place you live. So despite the cringey pun, we’re stuck with PEXMAS and Peckham is stuck with us.”
