23-03-2025
I visited a new Liverpool market and it made me proud to be from the city
In these challenging times, with all the global upheavals, it's easy to fall into a pessimistic mindset. It can seem like societal collapse is just around the corner, particularly if you spend too much time on social media.
For anyone feeling this way, I strongly recommend - no, I insist - that you make your way to Stanley Park Market on Wednesday, where you'll see the best of humanity in action. The weekly event in Anfield is back for its second year, running until December.
Stanley Park Market first opened its doors in July 2024 for an initial seven-week trial, but due to its popularity and success, it was extended until October. It then returned for a festive edition from November to December.
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Starting with approximately 50 stalls, the market quickly expanded, offering a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce and clothing. Some traders even reported record-breaking sales.
When it reopened on Wednesday (March 19), the Anfield bazaar more than doubled its original size, boasting over 120 stalls from 80 traders. Having decided to visit on opening day, which happened to be a warm and sunny spring afternoon, I was filled with immense pride for Liverpool and its people - and what we can achieve when we work together.
The diversity of the different traders becomes immediately apparent as soon as you step into Stanley Park Market. You'll find stalls peddling furniture and fragrances, alongside those offering gifts, books and records, not to mention a plethora of clothing vendors. And let's not forget the dozen or so food and drink stalls.
Essentially, there's something for everyone - and impulse buyers will have a field day, particularly when they stumble upon unique traders like 'Mr Fitzpatrick's', purveyor of 28 distinct cordial flavours from Root Beer to Dandelion and Burdock; and 'Greek Olive Oil Direct' which, as the name implies, specialises in olive oil, but also offers Corfu honey, balsamic vinegar, herbs, spices and fig pies.
If hunger strikes, you're well catered for with a multitude of options; there's a burger van, a pie stall, a creperie, just to name a few. You can also sample Caribbean cuisine at Greg Falola's 'Eat Up Gud', serving up classics such as goat and yam curry, and jerk chicken - all accompanied by traditional rice and peas.
While each vendor at Stanley Park brings their own unique concept, what unites them is their welcoming nature and sense of humour, particularly the distinctive Liverpudlian brand. Each one has a tale to share or a joke to tell, providing a level of human interaction that's becoming increasingly rare on our high streets, as impersonal supermarkets continue to reign supreme.
I bumped into Billy Marrat, councillor for the Anfield ward, who summed it up well: "It's going to revitalise the area and bring people together again. There are not many shops in the area anymore which serve fresh meat and fresh veg, so this is fantastic."
And he's right. The scarcity of independent butchers, greengrocers, bakeries, and fishmongers is stark. Yet here they all are, congregating under the shadow of Anfield Stadium.
Imagine being elderly and living alone, with your social interactions limited to the weekly shop—where you only have to deal with a sour-faced teenager at the checkout (no offence—I used to be a sour-faced teen as well, but I'm in my 20s now). I would look forward to every Wednesday when a trip to Stanley Park Market becomes more than just about buying groceries; it's an opportunity for human connections, a chance for a chat, a smile, and a simple "how are you?" that could brighten your entire week.
At the market, there's an infectious sense of hope, optimism, and a community spirit that feels increasingly elusive. The team at Stanley Park Market and Liverpool City Council have worked wonders in bringing this to Anfield, but our region must seize the moment to replicate this energy.
We need more regular events such as this. It's high time we champion small business and restore pride in our towns - let's begin with more markets.
