As dusk fell over London on Friday 20th November Leadenhall Market shone brightly as the Christmas lights were switched on. Huge crowds gathered to the scent of mulled wine, mince pies and festive music by musicians from the Guildhall school of music filled the air.
The new Lord Mayor, Alderman Nicholas Anstee arrived at Leadenhall Market to a trumpet fanfare and was taken on a tour of the market meeting tenants and sampling some of what the Leadenhall has to offer. Welcomed to the stage by Deborah Ley from the City of London and Deputy Michael Cassidy he spoke of an exciting year ahead before handing over to the Lady Mayoress to switch on the lights. After a rousing countdown the audience clapped and cheered as Leadenhall lit up.
With the lights on it was time to draw the raffle four lucky ticket holders were selected , tension mounted as each of the four finalists competed against one another in a game of heads and tails. Lucky Miss M correctly guessed that the final toss of the coin would be a head and took home the fabulous Leadenhall Market Christmas hamper. Congratulations!
With the formal part of the evening over many guests stayed to have a few drinks, a bite to eat at one of the wonderful restaurants and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Sax in the City - Monday 27th July to Friday 31st July 2009
Leadenhall Rocks!
In its fourth year Sax in the City week has once again been enjoyed by many and the atmosphere in the market was amazing. Throughout the entire week over lunchtimes Jazz was heard tinkling through the market by musicians from the Guildhall School of Music.
The atmosphere in the market was raised a notch on Party Night! As the crowds gathered, fine wine and cheese was sampled, the BBQ’s sparked up and the drinks began to flow.
First to take to the Stage was Steve Gregory, renowned saxophonist from George Michael’s Careless Whisper, followed by ‘Cattle Market’ winners of the 2009 Cheltenham Jazz Festival and the famous party band made up from musicians from Hiscox, AIG and HSBC ‘Client Number 9’ raised the roof with much applauding and cheering as they concluded with a rockin’ Kings of Leon hit!
A fantastic week of live music at Leadenhall Market!
eleVated Art Fair - Monday 22nd June to Friday 26th June
The only affordable Art Fair in the City of London.
This year it will be exhibiting emerging talents from around the world displaying a wide array of urban and cult art, oil and acrylic paintings, watercolours, photography, architectural and digital art. Prices will range from £20 to £1,000, so will suit even the most wallet-constrained art buyer.
There will be pieces for all interiors and tastes as well as the most diverse selection of City-related artworks and prints. All the pieces are purchased direct from the artist so are commission free.
The fair will be open daily from 11.00am to 3.00pm as well as 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Thursday. There will also be live art events and entertainment at Leadenhall Market throughout the course of the fair.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Market.
St Georges Day 2009
St George’s day 2009 saw Leadenhall Market transformed into a sea of red and white, from bunting and flags to red roses for sale, the scene was set for celebrating this patriotic day.
Morris dancers, the Pearly King and Queen and a host of other musicians and dancers entertained those waiting for the appearance of two special guests.
The arrival of London Mayor Boris Johnson and Chef Gary Rhodes in the trademark Route Master Bus bought delight to the eagerly awaiting crowd. After a tour of the Market and ever rousing and passionate speech was heard by all, Boris enjoyed a traditional English Ale and conversations with many of the market tenants.
Happy St George's Day!
Bowler Hat Day - February 13th
Friday 13th February was Bowler Hat Day, all those working in the Square Mile were encouraged to buy and wear a bowler hat with all monies raised supporting SOS Children, the world’s largest orphan charity. In the evening Leadenhall Market came alive with stalls selling hats, competitions and a jazz band. Those who attended soaked up the atmosphere whilst supporting a fabulous cause.
Let there be light – Friday 28th November 2008
As a dark wet night descended on London, Leadenhall Market was a buzz with over 1200 people braving the cold to see the Lord Mayor Ian Luder switch on the Christmas lights. The evening began with a trumpet fanfare to greet the official party before they toured the market meeting the tenants and sampling what it has to offer.
The atmosphere was vibrant and the anticipation high, after introduction speeches from Deborah Ley (city surveyors department) and George Gillon (sheriff), the Lord Mayor entered the stage and the time was upon us. With the flick of a switch the Christmas lights came to life casting a warm glow and a shower of confetti over the Market and all below.
With the lights on, it was time to draw the winner of the fantastic Leadenhall Market hamper. Compare Alec Mumford bought two lucky ladies to the stage but there can only be one winner. To the delight of her friends lucky Mrs M raffle ticket number 4661 was announced the winner and with the help of her entourage carried the goodie filled hamper away. This included bottles of champagne, fine wines, port, brandy, gin, cheese and other seasonal treats.
Many stayed well into the evening enjoying the festive jazz from the Metropolitan Orchestra and the Matt Fripp Quintet, mulled wine and mince pies were served from many of the tenant outlets. The lights in the Market will be on until Christmas, so if you missed last Friday’s festivities do pop in to see just how lovely the lights look.
Champagne week - 26th to 28th November
Different champagne houses will be offering tastings of their champagne and educating people about them. As well as all the usual stalls there will also be smoked salmon, oyster & mead stalls in the Market. On the Thursday at 5pm there will be a talk at Cheese at Leadenhall on matching champagnes & cheeses.
Sax in the City - 28th July to 1st August 2008
Saxophone, trumpet, keyboard and drums! Sax in the city week once again saw talented musicians perform live in the market. Visitors who came to the market for a spot of lunch were treated to jazz on the main stage along with the Leadenhall buskers adding to the atmosphere. Each day had a different style and the week featured everything from New Orleans Jazz and Bebop to Latin and swing.
A highlight of the week was definitely Thursday night -Party night. After the Lamb Tavern Jazz trio and the Juniper Berries warmed up the crowd, feature band Brenthouse took to the stage and entertained a growing audience. People relaxed, had a drink, sang along and many even danced the night away. A great week for music lovers.
