Peckham Car Boot (PCB), a South London institution for nearly a decade, is expanding north of the river. Starting in September, organisers and couple Erin Murphy and Steven Lopes will host sales in East and North London, with the promise that 'if the community shows up we're here to stay!'
New Locations in Leyton and Clissold
PCB will now operate at two new sites: George Mitchell School in Leyton and Stoke Newington School in Clissold. The pair told Metro that the plan is to run both for three dates and see what the response is from prospective sellers and buyers.
In Leyton, the car boot will be open on September 6, October 4, and November 1. In Clissold, it will be held on September 20, October 18, and November 15.
From Humble Beginnings to a London Sunday Ritual
'Seven years ago it was a handful of us flogging stuff out the boots of our cars in a school playground in Peckham, and now it's basically Sunday service for thousands of people across London,' the organisers told Metro. 'Sometimes we stop and look around and think, wow, this actually came from a genuine love of car boots. It was always organic, that hasn't changed'.
On TikTok, users document their trips to PCB religiously, queuing with friends and posting hauls. 'There's something in the ritual of it,' the organisers shared. 'Being chuffed you got your whole outfit secondhand for a fiver, or walked away with a lamp off someone's nan. Getting a bargain, having a bit of a haggle, that's such a British thing'.
Two Years in the Making
Erin and Steven took their time picking the 'right spot' in East and North London, revealing it took them two years to secure the sites. They explained: 'We're proud of being organised and staying close to our traders and buyers. And using social media the way we have was on purpose, it moved the car boot into a new era without losing what it's about'.
With one other location already in Balham, if things go well, this could mean the duo would have four permanent car boot locations across the city.
How the Car Boot Works
At PCB, general admission starts at 11am and costs £1 for entry. An 'Early Bird' ticket costs £7, granting entry at 10am, a full hour before general admission. A 'Head Start' ticket costs £5 and allows entry at 10:30am, 30 minutes before the rest of the crowd.
Attendees are advised to bring exact change for the door, as the closest cash point at the Peckham location is opposite Burger King on Peckham Road. Those who leave the site temporarily can ask for a stamp to re-enter.
