Field Market 10 years of local flavour and community spirit

The Field & Study Park in Sandton came alive on September 13, as the Field Market marked its 10-year anniversary.

What started in 2015 with just 20 traders and a few hundred visitors has blossomed into one of the city’s most beloved monthly gatherings, boasting over 150 local vendors, live music, sunshine picnics, and a community that keeps growing stronger with every market day.

Field Market founder and organiser Handri Cooley beamed with pride as she reflected on the journey from their modest launch in 2015.

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“It was our very first market, where we only had about 20 traders and probably 200 visitors on the day. So very, very, very small but we just sort of grew and improved from there.”

“Today, we have about 155 traders and more than R500 visitors on the day. So yeah we’ve grown!” Cooley added that what sets Field Market apart is its focus on local craftsmanship and South African pride.

“We focus on locally made. We don’t do imported. It’s all locally made, proudly South African. The traders here, they’re all involved in the product that they make and sell. It’s a place where you can connect with them.”

One of the standout stalls this year was Life + Lemons = Lemonade, run by Kathleen Wolmarans, who wowed visitors with her handmade beverages, each telling a story of heritage and natural ingredients.

“Everything you see here is made from scratch by me and Mother Nature,” Wolmarans said. “With the help of the lovely Sarah Mhlanga, of course.”

She showcased her crowd favourites: a Rooibos Lemon Ice Gin, her great- grandmother’s old-fashioned ginger beer, and freshly squeezed lemonades in flavours like strawberry, raspberry, granadilla, and lychee.

“No preservatives, all natural and of course, everything we make is delicious,” she added. “I’ve been at this market for about two or three years already, and I have to tell you this is my favourite Jo’burg market. Bring the family, bring the dog, have a picnic, listen to live music. It’s always beautiful.”
Vendor Dag Sumner, known for his popular paper cuts stand, has been part of the market family since day one.

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“I’ve been with the market since it started 10 years ago,” Sumner said. “I make paper cuts and I’ve done well over the years. I find it a pleasant experience to be here. ”The sunny Saturday saw families arriving with picnic blankets, camp chairs, and dogs on leashes, soaking in the warm atmosphere of the Field & Study Park.

With live acoustic music floating through the trees, kids laughing, and couples sipping hand-crafted drinks under shady trees, the Field Market’s 10th birthday wasn’t just a milestone, it was a celebration of local creativity, connection, and culture.

As Cooley aptly put it, the Field Market remains a place “where you can connect” not just with vendors, but with the community. The Field & Study Park in Sandton came alive on September 13, as the Field Market marked its 10th anniversary.

@caxtonjoburgnorth

The Field & Study Park in Sandton came alive on September 13, as the Field Market marked its 10-year anniversary. What started in 2015 with just 20 traders and a few hundred visitors has blossomed into one of the city’s most beloved monthly gatherings, boasting over 150 local vendors, live music, sunshine picnics, and a community that keeps growing stronger with every market day. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #LocalNews #caxtonlocalmedia #SA

♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North – Caxton Joburg North

What started in 2015 with just 20 traders and a few hundred visitors has blossomed into one of the city’s most beloved monthly gatherings, boasting over 150 local vendors, live music, sunshine picnics, and a community that keeps growing stronger with every market day.

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