Organisers Erin Murphy and Steven Lopes, a couple behind the popular Peckham Car Boot (PCB), have announced that starting in September, they will host sales in East and North London, with the promise that 'if the community shows up we’re here to stay!'
New Locations and Dates
PCB will now operate at two new sites: George Mitchell School in Leyton and Stoke Newington School in Clissold. In Leyton, the car boot will be open on September 6, October 4, and November 1. In Clissold, it will run on September 20, October 18, and November 15. The organisers told Metro that the plan is to run both for three dates and assess the response from sellers and buyers.
Held every other Sunday from mid-February through December, the original PCB at Harris Academy Peckham, just off Bellenden Road, has attracted visitors from across London for nearly a decade. The event is known for offering vintage clothing, homeware, crockery, and designer labels.
From Humble Beginnings to a London Institution
Discussing the growth, the organisers told Metro: '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. 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.'
The couple emphasised the importance of the car boot ritual, saying: 'There’s something in the ritual of it. 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.'
Dedicated Following and Social Media Impact
On TikTok, users document their trips to PCB, posting hauls of their finds. The organisers noted that they used social media purposefully, explaining: '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.'
Erin and Steven took two years to secure the new sites, ensuring they chose the 'right spot' in East and North London. With an existing location in Balham, if the new sites succeed, the duo could 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, one hour before general admission. A 'Head Start' ticket costs £5, allowing entry at 10:30am, 30 minutes early. Visitors are advised to bring exact change for the door, as the closest cash point at Peckham is opposite Burger King on Peckham Road. Those leaving the site temporarily can ask for a stamp to re-enter.
