On 16 September, Duck Pond Market announced that, 'with immediate effect' their residence at Gunnersbury Park would come to an end.

The female-led artisan market, which operates in six locations in and around West London, had been a resident of Gunnersbury for over a year, holding their markets on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays every month.

They had been looking forward to running another Christmas market this year, after their 4-day one last winter proved to be a success.

However, due to issues finding a suitable spot for the market, they chose to relocated to Chiswick Park.

Duck Pond founder, Caron Pook said: "It's really sad, we really loved working there, the market was thriving.

"We will really miss it!"

In a social media statement the market said Gunnersbury Park was taking a 'new direction' and there was an, 'inability to find a mutually suitable position' within the park.

According to the market, it could no longer be held, post-covid restrictions, at the front of the museum off Popes Lane, due to the resurgence of weddings held at the park.

They were then moved to a strip of grass and trees to the side of the children's playground - which allowed great access for all pedestrians and safe vehicle access to the park for traders.

However, shortly after this decision, the space then became unavailable, to be used instead for the park run.

Duck Pond said the market was then offered, as a final option, the field to the right of the car park, however this was not suitable for accessibility needs and it being a 'potentially very muddy field'.

A spokesperson for Duck Pond added that it is a well established very popular 13-year-old business and that they have worked in some amazing and beautiful venues.

They expressed sadness at the move, having received a huge amount of support from the local community.

Duck Pond stalls sell only locally, ethically or sustainably made or sourced products, and aim to bring a festival vibe to their markets.

You can now find them in Chiswick House and Gardens on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays in each month, with an extended Christmas programme in December.

They also pop up at Richmond (weekly), Ruislip (the original!), Chalfont St Giles (the village one), Highgate's beautiful Lauderdale House, and they have just launched in Windsor!

You can visit their Instagram page, @duckpondmarket and their website.

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