Marché Malraux Launches in Hanwell This Sunday

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New seasonal farmers' and artisans' market with a French twist

Co-founders Diane Bakemhe and Larissa Pelham with school director Daniel Riggs

September 10, 2026

A new seasonal community market is launching in Hanwell this weekend, aiming to bring neighbours together, support local makers and raise awareness — and vital funds — for the small local French state school, L’École André Malraux.

Marché Malraux, described as a farmers’ and artisans’ market “with a French twist”, will hold its first edition on Sunday 13 September, from 9am to 3pm.

The idea began with a simple question: how could the school build a stronger connection with the wider community? Although André Malraux is part of the French school network, it has become increasingly bilingual and deeply rooted in Hanwell, with families from many backgrounds. For CIPL, the school’s parent association, opening the doors to local residents felt like the most natural way to strengthen that relationship.

“I felt that creating an event which wasn't just for existing school families, but which local residents could genuinely feel invited to, would be a great way of bringing those worlds together,” said Diane Bakemhe, CIPL member and co-founder of Marché Malraux. Working alongside fellow parent Larisa Pelham, Diane developed the idea into a full community market — one that belongs not just to the school, but to the neighbourhood around it.

More than 30 stallholders have signed up, offering a wide mix of food, drink, crafts and independent retail. Visitors can expect coffee, juices, meats, cheese, wine, fresh flowers, bakery goods, olive oils, gin, cocktails, homeware, jewellery, gifts and more, alongside a strong line-up of local artists and makers.

Ealing-based participants include Jasmin Bloom (floristry), Juma Ceramics, JJ Eartherley (watercolours), Bonwoire (organic T-shirts and bags), Debbie Coates Ceramics, Lya Kay Designs (lampshades), Anna Gioielli (jewellery), Nana Chutneys, Ealing Wine Cellars, Maison Miles Distillery, IBeads, Juicy Lucy (Afro-Caribbean cuisine), Olivier Bakery, Joshua Rice Illustration & Design and Bot Lam (clogs and clothing).

The market has been created entirely by volunteers from the school’s charity and parent association — but the organisers have discovered that launching a community event comes with unexpected challenges. “We’ve set this up for, in and by the community,” Diane said, “and we’ve discovered that we are competing with well-established businesses that run these farmers’ markets professionally, and for profit, across London.”

To spread the word, the team has advertised in the Ealing BEAT brochure, outside Waitrose, and in hubs, community centres, shops and WhatsApp groups across the borough. The timing is deliberate: Marché Malraux is just one minute’s walk from Hanwell Community Centre, one of the main venues for this year’s Ealing BEAT festival, and the market is launching to coincide with the event.

With a festive edition already planned for 6 December, organisers hope Marché Malraux will grow into a seasonal fixture.

Entry is free, with advance sign-up available via Eventbrite.

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