Picture: provided
Leighton September tells Naomi Meyer about the Jamestown Street Market taking place in Jamestown, Stellenbosch, at the end of April.
Dear Leighton, I hear there is a market day in Jamestown, right here in Stellenbosch, soon. Please tell me about the market day – what is going to be sold? Any local dishes? And other farm products?
The Jamestown Street Market started in April 2025, with the first market being held on the 26th of April. The initiative started when our local farmers wanted to sell their fresh produce straight from their farms here in Jamestown. The Jamestown Street Market was created as a community-driven initiative – a way to generate economic opportunities and support local talent and products, and to preserve the town’s agricultural heritage.
What started as a small, community-driven initiative turned into a local spectacle. Unlike larger commercial markets, the Jamestown Street Market focuses on local vendors and community connection. The market also provides a space where people can connect and spend time together again, as has always been part of Jamestown’s culture, with its beautiful nature and mountain backdrops. All of our vendors are residents of Jamestown, and we are incredibly proud of our talent within the community – from Shirley September’s well-known tripe and trotters (pens en poot) curry, to Julian Meyer’s very delicious cakes and Lorraine Cupido’s gevlegde koesisters (braided doughnuts).
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All of our vendors are residents of Jamestown, and we are incredibly proud of our talent within the community – from Shirley September’s well-known tripe and trotters (pens en poot) curry, to Julian Meyer’s very delicious cakes and Lorraine Cupido’s gevlegde koesisters (braided doughnuts).
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The street market has shown us that there is more than just food and baked goodies talent in and among us. We have Luzé and Marius Botha who produce their own honey, Sharrone Uys and Renice Williams who design their own crafts, and Llewellyn van de Rheede who makes his own ginger beer. In addition, visitors can browse a variety of thrift clothing stalls and other unique outlets.
A significant part of our market is the strong support from local farmers, all of whom harvest fresh produce and sell it directly at the market, ensuring that visitors have access to high quality, seasonal goods straight from the source. Since its launch, we have hosted a total of eight successful markets, featuring over 100 vendors in total and averaging around 50 vendors per market. Our markets take place on the last Saturday of each month from 9:00 am till 1:00 pm.
Photo in the background from last year’s festival; logo: Facebook
For anyone who has never been to Jamestown – how do they get there? Where is the festival taking place? And is there an entrance fee?
Jamestown is located along the R44, directly opposite the well-known De Zalze Estate, making it easily accessible for visitors from surrounding areas. The Jamestown Strawberry Festival will take place on the 6th and 7th of November 2026, marking the eagerly anticipated return of this much-loved community tradition after a seven-year absence.
The festival has always been a celebration where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to celebrate local flavour, community togetherness and the simple joy of shared experiences. The Jamestown Strawberry Festival began when our community started to face challenges such as poor municipal management, increasing gentrification and growing social issues. It became clear that something needed to be done from within the community to bring people together again and to restore a sense of pride.
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The Jamestown Strawberry Festival began when our community started to face challenges such as poor municipal management, increasing gentrification and growing social issues. It became clear that something needed to be done from within the community to bring people together again and to restore a sense of pride.
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The strawberry festival, much like our street market, is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all. While all the planning is still underway, visitors can certainly look forward to a vibrant selection of local food vendors, freshly baked goods, farm-fresh produce and, of course, delicious strawberries in all forms.
As preparations continue, more details will be announced in the coming months. The public is encouraged to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages (Jamestown Street Market) for the latest news and updates regarding the market and festival.
Picture: Canva
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