It’s been a busy few months on Merchants Way, the colourful gateway that passes through New Covent Garden Market to connect Wandsworth Road and Nine Elms Lane.

The pathway features alcoves that host pop-up attractions and community activities throughout the year, adding more colour and animation for passers-by and visitors. Over Christmas, Merchants Way came alive with events and festivities for the local community.

As the evenings got darker, Merchants Way shone as bright as it does in the day thanks to the fabulous Christmas Decorators who replaced the autumnal leaves display with a lit winter garland on the archway by Pascal Street. On Festive Friday, on the first weekend of December, visitors enjoyed some tasty treats from Mission Kitchen’s Frankie’s Brownies and Tart Tart Quiche to the sounds of seasonal feel-good music from the talented All Star Steel Band. The Fred & Ginger Christmas Trees from the Bureau of Silly Ideas also served up a surprise dance performance too.

On Saturday, Nine Elms neighbour World Heart Beat opened its alcove to give free music lessons and the Bureau of Silly Ideas returned with a fun Magic Christmas Telephone walkabout act, while Harriet Parry Flowers ran Floral Mini Ornament-Making Workshop where you could make your own decorations to take home. Flow Dance Studio presented a Ballroom & Latin performance by their team of teachers, and even taught some passers by some moves.

The Merchants Way alcoves are spaces to test new ideas, speak directly to consumers, and provide much needed space for local community groups as well as a place to support business, charities and provide and deliver seasonal activities. If you want to get involved, expressions of interest are being sought from groups, individuals, businesses, charities, resident associations or anyone with a good idea!

Fill in the online form https://form.jotform. com/213405461323041 to submit an initial expression of interest.