If the prospect of shopping in the West End fills you with fear this weekend and you can't bear to hear Slade played again we recommend you transfer your purchasing power to Portobello Market. Not only will there be the usual lively stuff going on with traders eager to flog you stuff and some heart warming street food to keep you going but Portobello Winter Fest will be happening. Claiming to be a cosmopolitan take on the famous Munich Winter Fest it sounds more like Carnival in the cold to us, but there will be Glühwein for all.
In fact, if you're skiving off work early today the diverse line up of live music starts at 2pm. The underbelly of the stalking Westway will be adorned with art courtesy of the Notting Hill Arts Club, Le Gun and more and Rough Trade will be punting limited edition merchandise as well as hosting a 2 hour session tomorrow afternoon. Speaking of which, tomorrow at 6 one of our new favourites, Riz MC will be popping up - a great opportunity to check him out for nowt.
From Ladbroke Grove station, crossover and follow under the Westway till the crossroads with Portobello Road and find it all kicking off there at Portobello Square and the Bridge. Have an 'Alt-Xmas' and don't feel too bad if you bail on the shopping and just have a real good time.
Portobello Winter Fest starts this afternoon at 2 and goes on till Sunday night at Portobello Square and the Bridge, 4-8 Acklam Road W10. Free except after 7pm when a small donation will be asked.
Image by opaque haze via the Londonist flickr pool.
