Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Punters bid farewell to Smithfield’s iconic Christmas meat auctions

Smithfield-market-getty

Smithfield Market has been a hub for meat and livestock trading for nearly 900 years. (Photo: Getty Images)

MEAT traders at London's historic Smithfield Market auctioned off cheap turkeys and other meats to eager bidders on Tuesday, continuing a long-standing Christmas tradition.

However, the future of this festive event is uncertain following recent decisions about the market’s closure.


Smithfield Market, located in the City of London financial district, has been a hub for meat and livestock trading for nearly 900 years. At its peak, it attracted sellers from across England and produce from countries such as Argentina and Australia.

Last month, City authorities decided to close the market, paving the way for redevelopment of the prime real estate. The market is permitted to operate at its current location until 2028, with most traders planning to move to a new site within London thereafter.

Every Christmas Eve for decades, crowds have gathered at Smithfield Market to buy surplus meat at discounted prices. Buyers exchange cash for cuts of red meat or poultry, often tossed into the crowd by butchers.

"The atmosphere is fantastic," said Greg Lawrence, chairman of the Smithfield Market Tenants. "To a lot of people, it's the beginning of Christmas. They come up here early, they go to breakfast, they come to the auction, they purchase their goods, then they go to the pub."

Hundreds of people, some wearing Santa hats or holding placards with meat orders, filled the Victorian market building. Punters waved banknotes to catch the attention of butchers, who threw turkeys or ribeye steaks into the cheering crowd.

While many attendees came for the bargains, others were drawn by the unique festive atmosphere.

"Everyone's so friendly, and everyone's rooting for everyone to get something for Christmas Day," said Sharon, who only shared her first name. "It's amazing."

(With inputs from Reuters)

More For You

Modi celebrates Diwali with Navy personnel aboard INS Vikrant

Modi offers sweets to naval personnel aboard INS Vikrant, on the occasion of Diwali, off the coast of Goa and Karwar. (Handout via PTI Photo)

Modi celebrates Diwali with Navy personnel aboard INS Vikrant

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with naval personnel aboard aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, describing it as a symbol of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India).

Modi arrived on Sunday (19) evening and boarded the home-built carrier off Goa's coast following a discreet journey. Onboard the vessel, he visited the flight deck surrounded by MiG 29K fighter aircraft and observed multiple takeoff and landing operations conducted both during daylight and darkness.

Keep ReadingShow less