DTE Derby’s new monthly markets champion sustainability in city centre

Derby’s newest community garden is organising a series of monthly curated markets with the hope of bringing local, creative and sustainable options to Derby.

DTE MKT is organised by Down to Earth (DTE) Derby which is held on the first Saturday of each month.

Founder of DTE, Jamie Quince-Starkey, says the aim of the markets and DTE is to get people connecting with nature and doing it in a way that is accessible and down to earth.

Jamie said: “We really wanted to get independent retailers together, who have a connection to sustainability.

“We also want members of the public to come down and get involved.”

Although the markets occur on a monthly basis, they take around one month to plan and organise.

Jamie said: “We’re doing a lot of new things for the first time, it’s been full on but it’s worth it.

“We aim to cultivate imagination and get people in the business world to share best practice.

We want them to talk to others about what they are doing, speaking about their successes, problems and how they are really making a difference.”

The first market in July had around 1000 attendees, with people queuing outside the doors and Jamie is keen to build on this momentum.

He said: “This is just the start, we are getting going and really building a presence in the city centre, which has not seen anything like this before.”

Jamie is keen to express his love for the city and is aware of the gap in the market for people seeking ethical, sustainable events.

He said: “I love Derby but it needs things for people to do.

“It can be hard to create community cohesion, ownership and accountability but I am proud to say that we have achieved a lot with that.

“Yes it’s been difficult and hard, but we have some solid support from Derby City council which I really appreciate.”

What to expect from DTE MKT

The monthly markets bring together a curated selection of vendors who share DTE values of conscience and purpose.

Jamie said: “They are really good artisanal, independent retailers who are passionate about what they do.”

From handmade crafts and upcycled fashion to organic produce and zero-waste products, there is a diverse array of sustainable goods on offer at the markets, that are both ethical and environmentally friendly.

A visit to DTE MKT is also a fun day out for the full family.

Food and drink including beer, hot and cold beverages will be served.

To keep the little ones entertained there is a fun Mud Kitchen, plus music to provide a buzzy atmosphere.

Public reaction has been massively supportive, with people travelling from afar to support DTE.

Writing about the latest monthly market (August 5), one Instagram user with the handle @strawberryflair wrote: ‘Several of us from Swadlincote In Bloom are travelling by bus to find out more about your amazing project. Cannot wait!’

Anticipation continues to build for the upcoming market which is on Saturday September 2, 2023.

The markets are just one part of the lean, green machine that is DTE, which enjoys high profile support thanks to its partnership with Eden Project and support from Derby City Council.

Reflecting on the DTE journey so far, Jamie said: “Electric Daisy, our community garden was one of our first projects.

“In its first phase, we talked with leaders in system change and sustainability.

“So we had visits from George Lamb and Sir Tim Smit of the Eden Project who is also my mentor.”

Exciting events at Electric Daisy include talks in the garden from changemakers, Cultivate which is a series of free networking sessions, and workshops such as Grow With Us Guerilla Gardening.

Jamie is always thinking of how he can create a better user experience for the people of Derby.

He said: “Now, in addition to the monthly markets, we are also open on Friday and Saturday.

“We look forward to welcoming people who can pop by at Electric Daisy to have drinks between 12-9pm.

“Fans who appreciate nature, good music and tasty tipples will like it here.”

Entrance to the Electric Daisy garden and monthly markets is free.

For more information about the event visit the website here.