Published: Tuesday 10 August 2021
Opening for business on Friday 25 June, the New Youthquake 2021 (NYQ) initiative is back for another year to give traders under 30 the chance to showcase their talent at Portobello and Golborne Road Market from as little as £10.
There will be 18 stalls up for grabs being made available for three weekends over the summer, 25-27 June, 16-18 July, and 6-8 August 2021. A dedicated Council Officer will also be on hand to support successful candidates through the process.
Those who live, work or learn in Kensington and Chelsea will be given priority for spaces but people from West London and beyond are also invited to apply.
Cllr Catherine Faulks, Lead Member Economy, Employment and Innovation, said:
“Celebrating and supporting our local talent is more important than ever as we navigate our way out of lockdown and get our economy back on its feet.
“Our New Youthquake 2021 initiative gives young people the chance to showcase their entrepreneurial and creative skills. This experience will be invaluable for those successful candidates who will not only be bumping shoulders with seasoned traders but also to learn and grow their businesses in a high-profile location – I can’t wait to see what they showcase!”
Previous NYQs have seen authors, artists, fashion designers, jewellery makers, craftspeople, baristas, bakers and more take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to share their work with the public. This year is no different, with a wide array of talent stepping forward to snap up stalls. All are encouraged to apply, from artists, musician and chefs to spoken word artists, product designers and more.
Susan Al-Safadi, founder of Saffron & Honey Bakery, which serves up traditional Middle Eastern desserts with a Western twist, has taken up stalls at New Youthquake. On the opportunity to showcase her work she said:
“Since joining New Youthquake I’ve genuinely enjoyed every moment I’ve experienced with them. It’s been incredible to meet fellow market traders and get advice and network with other people and young creatives in the community – and it’s been nice doing that in an environment where I’ve lived, worked and gone to school.
“New Youthquake has been instrumental in helping to progress my brand and my place as a market trader; it’s helped with building a small community within my brand and outside of my brand and has opened doors that I didn’t even know were there.”
For new traders (who have traded at markets or pop-ups eight or fewer times over the past year) the fee is £10 all in, and for experienced traders the fee is £25 all in. Full bursaries are available for people who are Care Leavers or Care Experienced.
As part of the showcase, during the afternoon on Saturday 7 August, New Youthquake and FerArts in conjunction with the Kensington + Chelsea Festival will be showcasing performances by young people on a pop-up outdoor stage. Details available nearer the date at www.kcfestival.co.uk
People can register their interest and request an application form by contacting [email protected]. See www.visitportobello.com/newyouthquake for more details. Under 18s are welcome to apply but will need to be accompanied by an adult.
The timing of this year’s events also coincides with the Kensington and Chelsea Festival and the Council’s Summer of Love campaign which will be announced towards the end of June.