‘MARKET TOWN’-Romford Comes Alive With 800 Years of History And Memories As The Community Take Over the Market This Weekend.

28th August 202628th August 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Art, Culture, Havering London, Market Town, Romford min read

Two spectacular performances will bring Romford’s history, memories and community spirit to life this weekend, as the incredible ‘Market Town’ takes over Romford Market in a celebration of where we have come from and where we are going together.

Creator David Shearing outside the iconic Romford fountain.

On Friday and Saturday, Romford Market will become the stage for something truly special.

Market Town is the creation of hugely talented local artist David Shearing, a self-proclaimed “Romford Boy” who was born and raised in the borough and proudly carries his love for his home in everything he does.

This is not simply a performance.

It is a love letter to Romford.

‘Market Town’ tells the story of Romford Market and the borough’s extraordinary 800-year history through an immersive sound and video projection show, bringing together memories of the past with hopes for the future.

And at the heart of it all is something many local people will remember — the iconic fountain that once stood in Romford.

David has helped recreate the fountain in the Market, bringing back a piece of Romford history and the memories attached to it.

Speaking to the Havering Daily, David said:

“We have been fundraising for three years to get the funding for this show. Most residents will see the fountain that was once in Romford, now recreated in the Market. We pay homage to the fountain and all the memories people have of it.

“We celebrate our past and look to our future and how we can go forward together as a community.

“Market Town is a hopeful piece. I have my memories of it and how I was shopping and got separated from my mum and how that fountain was a key landscape there.

“The fountain is an iconic memory for people of Havering.”

And that is what makes Market Town so special.

It is built around memories.

The memories of people who shopped in the Market.

The memories of families who grew up in Romford.

The memories of businesses that have been part of the town.

And the memories of a community that has changed dramatically over 800 years but still has its roots firmly planted in its history.

The performance will also feature market stall holders and café owners sharing their own recollections, alongside local bell ringers from St Edward’s Church and around 200 local people taking part.

It is quite literally a production created by the community, for the community.

And David believes that is exactly what art should be able to do.

“We must use art to unite us and Market Town really is a heartfelt piece.”

Those words perhaps sum up David’s work perfectly.

He is not simply creating art for Havering.

He is creating art about Havering.

He is telling our stories, remembering our roots and creating opportunities for people to come together.

David proudly calls himself a “Romford Boy” and there is something incredibly special about seeing someone who grew up here putting so much energy into giving something back to the borough.

For three years, he and his team have worked to bring this project to life, fundraising and building something that celebrates the place so many local people call home.

And now Romford gets to see it.

Market Town will be performed for free in Romford Market at 8.30pm on Friday 28 August and Saturday 29 August.

So if you are looking for something special to do this weekend, head down to Romford Market and experience the story of our town.

Come and remember.

Come and celebrate.

Come and look towards the future.

And most importantly, come together.

A huge shout-out to David Shearing — an incredibly talented artist with an amazing mission to bring art and culture to our borough while remembering its roots.

Romford has a story.

This weekend, it gets to tell it.

Well done, David.