A NEW weekly market will start this weekend amid a flurry of family attractions.

The Leys Community Market used to run on the last Saturday of each month but will go weekly from Saturday.

More than 30 stallholders have signed up, and to help launch its new look there will be a list of activities at The Barn, in Nightingale Avenue, from 10am to 1pm.

These include a bake-off, and a performance by the Strawberry Fayre Majorettes cheerleading squad.

Our top stories

Daniel Jones, a member of the market steering group and Blackbird Leys Parish Council, said: “We’ve changed over time from being a small market to quite a major event.

“By going weekly people are going to be reminded about us and residents who haven’t really noticed us before will see us here more often.

“It’s a market with a difference – we’ve got all the elements of a normal market but it’s also going to have lots more going on.

“People can come and have a coffee and buy some Christmas presents while their children can enjoy some of the activities.

“We’re keen to have something for the families to make sure they are happy and want to come back.”

The market began in December 2012 and is part of the Oxford Community Markets network that spans the city.

About 40 people used to attend the monthly market, which includes items ranging from Brazilian street food to agate jewellery.

The new market will also include a hog roast, cake sale, bouncy castle and face painting, with events varying each week.

Mr Jones hopes a weekly event will encourage residents to buy locally rather than at large supermarkets.

He said: “There’s a green benefit to it because it will hopefully stop people from driving a few miles to supermarkets, reducing carbon emissions.

“There’s a demand for fresh fruit, vegetables, bread and eggs and the idea is to supply people with products that are a lot cheaper than going to big shops.

“It’s a great thing for the community and we hope there will be a good turnout.”

To get involved or set up a stall, email leyscommunitymarket@yahoo.com

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.