There’s a new veganning for Wokingham Town centre this Autumn as a new vegan market will be setting up shop.
The town council has arranged for Sparkle Vegan Events to host the pioneering event every second Sunday of the month.
Sparkle vegan events founder Sarah Zeneli said there is no better time or place to start a vegan market, as she believes Wokingham will be “really receptive” to the idea – and she’s looking for entertainers.
“The market itself will be a really friendly and inclusive environment for vegans and non-vegan alike,” she explained. “It’s a good option for those who are curious about what the products are. Come and try something new.”
She added that while Wokingham market itself has been going on for 800 years, the demand for cruelty-free food and products is suddenly growing now because a huge rise in veganism.
“More and more people are realising the massive impact it can have on animals, the environment and their own health,” Ms Zeneli said.
The market will include approximately 30 stalls selling a wide range of products; hot food, cakes, pastries, gifts and eco-friendly products will all be available, with entertainers dotted around the event.
“We are looking for local talent, anyone who wants to showcase their skills and show what they’ve got.
“We are inviting choirs, singers, musicians, dancers, comedians – anyone.
We will have some children’s entertainment too. There will be a different meet and greet character for every month – for the first month, we have a unicorn princess.”
Useful information from non-profit vegan organisation Veganuary and animal rights group Animal Aid will be available.
Attendees will be able to visit The Ark Eatery stall, which offers vegan burgers and hotdogs, Jayne’s Vegan Bakes, which sells homemade cakes, and Tropic Skincare which sells cruelty-free products, among many more.
Almost 900 people have shown interest in the Facebook event, so she has high hopes for the occasion.
“You don’t have to be strictly vegan to be interested in what the market has to offer. You can just be thinking about reducing the amount of meat you consume or cooking more plant-based meals.
“Veganism has grown so much because people have become more aware of the impacts of the dairy industries,” Mrs Zeneli said.
“More and more people are realising it is a massively important time to go into the vegan direction.”
The vegan market will be coming to Wokingham on Sunday, October 13, and then on the second Sunday of every month after.
It will be open between 10am and 2pm on Market Place around Wokingham Town Hall. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.
More details at www.sparkleveganevents.com/wokinghamveganmarket
