A traditional cockney knees-up from the Pearly Kings and Queens brought a local community together for the Cally market launch last weekend.
Phyllis Broadbent, the Pearly Queen of Islington whose father originally came from the Cally area, cut the ribbon officially opening the Caledonian Road market on Saturday.
The Pearlies led the local residents and visitors in a cockney sing-song at midday. Many audience members joined in with the dancing and singing of iconic London tunes.
Paul Convery, Caledonian ward councillor, made a speech before the ribbon-cutting saying: “It’s a proud day for the Cally. This morning is a huge big step in reviving the Cally as a place where people come to do their shopping.
“The success of this market is down to the likes of us to spend our money here. All the people on the Cally should dig into their pockets and buy its produce.”
Janine Dorling, chairman of the Cally Traders Association, was pleased with how the event went. “Considering the weather I think it has been a pretty good turnout of traders and local people. I’m hoping local traders have done well from it.”
Debbie Newby, local resident operating the Bemerton community stall, said: “This kind of event has been needed for a long time. It’s good to bring the Cally back to life again after it being dead for so long.”
On the stretch between Bridgeman Road and Offord Road, 17 stalls sold a variety of food and gifts throughout the day. More stalls are expected to open in the coming weeks, including a fresh fish stall.
The Cally market will run 9am-5pm every Saturday in the lead up to Christmas.
