Whenever Glebe is mentioned, one of the first things that springs to mind is the Glebe Markets. In 2023, the Glebe Markets announced it would be closing after 31 years of operation, shocking locals, who pleaded for the markets to continue in operation. New owners swept in to continue its legacy, and venturing through the market on Saturdays, it is easy to see what was at stake — and worth fighting for, with so many diverse offerings filling the market grounds.
Upon arrival, the markets are filled with a flurry of stall holders gearing up for a big day. The spring sun shines bright over retailers wheeling clothes racks, unpacking goods and adjusting displays across the Glebe Public School grounds, unrecognisable amongst the gazebos, banners and food trucks. Around every twist and turn is something different: secondhand clothes, art, plants, jewellery, food, handmade gifts and more.
Donato’s camera stall, which he has been running for the past four years, is set up earlier than the others. His face lights up with passion, as he eagerly shares his love for the market community. “People enjoy the social connection, and more human connection here,” he says. “I feel happy faces here.” Don believes these markets are “very important. This is not something new. This is a 3000- year old type of social connection. It’s the people. It’s connected with the past, you know, with natural things, normal things. More human interaction, yeah.”
Just two stalls over, Jo is selling handmade soy wax candles. She is happy to see the sun, after running the stall every Saturday since May through many rainy weekends. “It’s just really warm. Everyone has a great time,” says Jo. “It’s such a cross section, from your clothing, to your handmade goods, to food. So it suits everyone, all different ages.”
As the clock strikes 10am, the markets come to life, with visitors starting to stream through the school’s front gates, ready to begin their journey through the 200 stalls on offer. Beside the entrance, jewellery stall Hey Frankie is busy greeting each customer walking through. Despite the growing crowds, Rebecca takes a step out to talk about their initiative helping women living rough. “We like to gift them some jewellery that they can either sell themselves or just feel pretty and beautiful,” Rebecca says. “We do that a lot, and that matters to us, to give back to those in need…It just makes you feel you do anything that you can to help others, really, that are doing it tough and there’s lots of women doing it tough right now.” As she’s talking, someone in the distance catches Rebecca’s eye, and she points and waves.
Kiara, the girl Rebecca was waving to, is selling flowers alongside her sister Sasha, to raise money for college funds for orphaned children in the Philippines, as well as supporting the Ronald McDonald House, Red Kite and Food Bank. “So far, it’s been really positively received,” Kiara shares, “which we’re so grateful for. So many people love to see the fresh blooms around… Everyone’s so supportive here just amongst the owners and the customers. It’s been a really great day so far.”
Today is Kiara’s first day as a seller at the Glebe Markets, but she is feeling encouraged to return. “I think it’s just great for people to get out of their habitat of a mall where it’s just a lot of franchises and big names. I think it’s nice that you can come and support local artisans and chefs and just find something new and unique to purchase.”
Away from the bustle of vintage clothing and jewellery stores, the school’s field is transformed into a perfect picnic spot. Underneath the sun, the air is filled with the aroma of coffee beans and the soft strums of guitar guiding the gentle vocal melody of the performer.
“I think markets are important for all communities everywhere, because there’s such a lack of human connection at the moment, and markets keep that alive.”
Elise is one of the many visitors relaxing and enjoying the live music. “I love the art, all the creatives, the clothes, food, music, vibe, yeah community,” she laughs and adds “I think markets are important for all communities everywhere, because there’s such a lack of human connection at the moment, and markets keep that alive.”
A group of international students from UTS are also enjoying a picnic. Their elected spokesperson, Antoine, says markets are a great spot for “chilling”. “We like the atmosphere, and I like the style of the market,” he says. “It allows us to interact with other people who are here to sell products and yeah, I think it’s more about sharing and giving second life also to some clothes.”
Even after 30 years, it seems the markets are still attracting a new audience, with many people sharing that it is their first time visiting the suburb, journeying from all across Sydney. Glebe locals are still to be found though, such as Sophie, who browses the markets regularly. Today, she is just killing some time, she explains, although she loves bringing her grandchildren down to the Glebe Markets. “Well, it’s colourful and lots of people come. The cafes are always full and there’s an interesting display of things,” she shares.
With midday approaching, the market atmosphere is roaring as it comes time to leave the stallholders to work their magic of the past three decades, and hopefully many more to come.