Next Month's Chiswick Flower Market Cancelled


Organisers say decision taken due to worsening national Covid-19 situation

Trade brisk at the first Chiswick Flower Market
Trade brisk at the first Chiswick Flower Market. Picture: Frank Noon

The organisers of the Chiswick Flower Market have announced that next month’s event due to be held on Sunday 4 October, will not be taking place.

In a statement they say, “The decision was taken in the light of the worsening national Covid-19 situation and in consultation with London Borough of Hounslow’s Director of Public Health, local businesses, our traders, local residents and our marshals. Whilst open-air markets can be held legally, we felt that it would not be appropriate to go ahead at this time.

“We have been carefully weighing the pros and cons of following up the hugely successful inaugural market and sadly came to this decision today (25 September).

“We would like to thank all our traders and marshals who have patiently supported us in the ongoing discussions and who will be as disappointed as we are by this decision. The September market brought great benefit, both economically and socially to the area.”

The first market was hailed as a ‘huge success’ by the team behind it with over 7,000 people estimated to have attended and many of the stall holders selling out.

However, there was some criticism of a lack of social distancing at the event and issues arose with marshalling the crowds.

Despite the large number of people attending earlier this month, the latest number for coronavirus infections in the Chiswick area is lower now even though the figures are likely to include anyone who might have been infected at the event.

The organisers say, “We are determined that despite this set-back, our work will continue to bring the community together, to revitalise our High Road and to help new and established independent businesses”.

They say they are determined to return in November with a bigger and better market and a well-regulated queuing system, as well as a dedicated early morning shopping session for more vulnerable flower lovers.

They are exploring methods by which the traders could still sell their plants, bulbs and flowers and are directing people to their website www.chiswickflowermarket.com where most of the traders have online shops and you can support them by purchasing your flowers and other horticultural products direct from them.

Cllr Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council, said: “Chiswick Flower Market is a fantastic addition to the borough, and the first one last month was a great success.

“It’s a real shame the October one has had to be cancelled. I and hundreds of other people were looking forward to its return.

“However, given the new national guidelines which came into force this week, cancelling it was the right decision. People’s safety must come first.

“I’d like to thank the market organisers for being so responsible and the Council looks forward to supporting them to hopefully make the November market go ahead in a Covid secure way.”

Ron Mushiso, Chiswick Councillor, and deputy leader of the conservative group said, "Chiswick Flower Market resounding success when it launched in early September. I was delighted to have played a small role as one of the Marshalls on the day and was looking forward to continuing my role on Sunday 4th October. But the decision by the organisers is the right one given the current circumstances. I know a lot of people will be disappointed but public safety has to take priority."

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September 26, 2020