Paddington Markets ready for spring

16th September 2020 | Eativity editors

When COVID hit, we were all forced to retreat into our homes. Now, as spring emerges and the sun shines down on Sydney, the iconic Paddington markets are ready to come alive again and welcome back the community… From a safe social distance, of course.

The Paddington Markets return from 10am on Saturday, September 26. Locals and guests can do their produce shop at the brand new grower’s market – bursting with the highest-quality seasonal fruit and vegies, consciously curated gourmet delicacies, artisanal bread and cheese, sustainably sourced meats and seafood, original gifts, fresh flowers and plants.

All the wonderful, unique things you expect to find at Paddington Markets from local designers and artists, including vintage, will still be there. The markets have always been the beating heart of Paddington’s progressive, creative and inclusive community where locals can come to shop, create, be a part of the culture and get inspired.

Paddington Markets ready for spring
The markets have been a welcoming creative hub for locals and visitors since 1973.

Creating community for nearly 50 years

Starting in 1973, the markets were the brainchild of the late Reverend Peter Holden. This visionary young minister had just returned to Sydney after helping to organise the legendary Woodstock music festival.

A stunning new mural donated by artist Stephen Ormandy harks back to the early 70s, and the inception of the Saturday market ritual. Ormandy says the mural is his way of giving back to the markets and the community that helped provide a launching pad for his career. 

Dinosaur Designs [Ormandy’s jewellery and homewares business] launched at the Paddington Markets, so we will always feel a great sense of connection,” he says. “It was a real gathering place for artists and artisans back then.

“My mural pays tribute to the creativity and community that sits at the heart of the markets. It celebrates their almost fifty-year history as well as their future”. 

For the late Reverend Peter Holden, the markets were a way to capitalise on the creativity Paddington had on offer as it developed a new bohemian identity from the recent migration of artists to the area. Rev. Holden referred to it as the time when Paddington was becoming known as “Paddo”. He was fascinated by the “global village” concept. So he honed his focus on the link between the community and the church.

Paddington Markets ready for spring
The artist at work: Paddington Markets’ new mural in progress.

Feed your body, mind and soul

Paddington Uniting Church Reverend Danielle Hemsworth-Smith echoes similar sentiments today. He says the markets are a key point of connection and community.

“We are all very much looking forward to the opening of a new chapter in the market’s history,” she says. “It is a weekly destination for all. Not only to shop, but also to meet friends, to learn, to create. And, ultimately, to be challenged to be an active part of the community and world we share.

“It is our vision that each market day will include a range of different initiatives that showcase faith, inclusiveness, creativity and justice. These are the core values of Paddington Uniting Church. We want them to be the core vision of the market because we believe these values are the key to vibrant and flourishing community.”

For more on Paddington Markets, head to paddingtonmarkets.com.au