A festive market is coming to The Flapper at the end of this month, as part of a campaign to encourage people to ‘shop small’ this Christmas – and beyond.
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The iconic pub and alternative music venue will be the setting for a collection of community events to support local independents, kicking off with the Winter Market on 27th November.
Ideal for those seeking stocking fillers and gifts, visitors can shop from 17 stalls – all independent traders and small businesses – when the two-story pub is turned into a winter wonderland for the day.
Running from 1pm – 6pm on the last Sunday of this month, the market will be free to attend and is both family and dog friendly. Visitors can enjoy live acoustic sets from local musicians all day, as well as food and drink to make all that shopping a tasty affair.
Stalls holders include Birmingham creatives, artists, designers and makers (such as Punks and Chancers, Crafted By Indi, and The Little Jewellery Shop) with bakes, plants and even ethical taxidermy also available.
Renowned for its canal-side location, live music and events, The Flapper is a well-loved Birmingham independent owned by Sam Campbell-Whyte and her family.
Samantha says: “I’ve wanted to bring indie markets to the pub since we re-opened last July. The team here hope this will be one of many markets to come as we go into the new year – community has never been more important and we’re keen to do our bit.
“We wanted to give people the chance to shop at some of Brum’s best independents before Christmas, and it’s more important than ever to shop small and local during these uncertain times. The smallest purchase can help see a business through – and we’re sure whoever receives the gift will be over-the-moon that it’s from an indie seller.”
“My ethos has always been about bringing a community spirit to The Flapper; 2023 will see more seasonal indie markets combined with local acoustic artists, and hopefully more pop-up markets from other curators that want to join us on our journey to support small.”
Originally built in 1969, the pub was called The Longboat before being taken over by The Firkin brewery in the 90s and named Flapper and Firkin. In 2007, Sam took over the business and the venue became known simply as ‘The Flapper’.
Having been saved from demolition in 2021, the pub continues to support grass-roots music and is one of the few remaining alternative venues left in Birmingham city centre.
Sam concludes: “The local community came together to save The Flapper last year and we want to give something back. It’s never been more important to support local and shop small, and we’re excited to work alongside some of the most talented indies in Brum this winter and beyond.”
The chosen charity for this event will be Kings Heath Action for Refugees, which will be attending on the day to raise awareness and funds for refugees and asylum seekers within Birmingham.
The Flapper can be found on Kingston Row. News, events and gig announcements will be posted via The Flapper Instagram page here.