A series of short films celebrating life across New Covent Garden Market (NCGM) are now live on the NCGM YouTube channel. The films (collected here) are part of a larger project to capture the people and businesses of NCGM during an anniversary year that marks half a century since the Fruit and Vegetable and Flower Markets relocated from Covent Garden in London’s West End to South London’s Nine Elms in November 1974.

“We’re capturing a cross section of events across the market leading up to our 50th anniversary in November, a historic milestone in the market’s long history,” explains Tommy Leighton, NCGM Press Officer. “We often say that we're the oldest and will soon be the newest wholesale market in the UK, with these short films providing a fascinating glimpse into what life’s like for the market’s businesses and customers, as well as the values and strengths that drive New Covent Garden Market's success.”

Tommy adds: “We’re working closely with local production company Chocolate Films because they’re based next to us in Nine Elms and know the market well. It’s not easy filming in a busy wholesale market, so I’d like to thank the individuals and businesses for their time and playing their part in our history.”

The first film focuses on the Flower Market – using a drone to fly above the market during a busy trading morning. It’s a 50-second flying visit to the UK's largest wholesale market for flowers, plants, foliage and sundries. Watch it here - 50 years in Nine Elms: Fly through the Flower Market.

The second film shines a spotlight on family business Porters Foliage, which has been part of the market since 1910 and is now run by the fourth generation of the Porter family. We speak to owner Bryan, his son Sam and nephew Aaron, who all tell us what it's like to be one of the many family businesses at the country's largest fresh produce wholesale market and explain what being part of the market community means to them. Watch it here: 50 years in Nine Elms: Porters Foliage.

The third film highlights three florist customers of NCGM: Liz from Blue Sky Flowers, Caroline and Alan from Hybrid Flowers and Elaine from Pesh Flowers. All three florist businesses are long-term customers and friends of New Covent Garden Flower Market, filmed as they prepared to celebrate the magical art of floristry on the inaugural National Florist Day (June 8th, 2024). Watch it here - 50 years in Nine Elms: National Florist Day 2024.

We'll be sharing more films over the coming months as we lead up to the market's 50th anniversary in November.