A Christmas Market, as part of the Christmas Light switch on, replicated around the town centres. Each one is built around the market and linked with the existing shops. Offers gifts, festive produce and sweet treats, all intermingled with local festive entertainment and Christmas decorations
Our Aims
-Encourage each town centre to celebrate and showcase its local offer through involving local artists, musicians and craft people and traders, allowing for the individuality of each town centre to stand out
-Link in the learning Islington's skills agenda via the ‘Learn to be a trader’ courses to develop local peoples skills and build their knowledge of what is involved in trading their wares, culminating in the opportunity to sell what they have produced at the festive events
-Develop a sense of pride in the local areas by sourcing the entertainment from the local community
-Highlight the potential for an early evening economy in each town centre

What we'll deliver:

• Market Training scheme for local residents
• Small stages for local performers
• Christmas Light Switch ons
• Offer Stalls to local creatives and colleges
• Parade Workshops
• Place Market stalls at each of the Town Centres
• Source equipment and items from the town centres where possible

Why it's a great idea:

Christmas Lights switch on events are an important feature of Islington’s town centre calendar and an opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate their local area; each one has it's own character and vibrancy. From a Town Centre Management perspective, they are also an important opportunity to showcase the town centre, encourage an increase in footfall and engage local businesses in the wider community. These markets will also demonstrate the opportunity for an early evening economy at each of the town centres.
With the 'learn to be a trader course' we will be working with local residents and students interested in starting their own business, by providing a valuable outlet for the course, allowing residents to put their learning into practice

Steps to get it done:

• Engage with local retailers to take up a stall
• Organise a steering group with local organisations and partners
• Organise bunting, banners and any necessary equipment
• Promote all town centre switch ons as one
• Ensure all necessary permissions are obtained
• Source market suppliers to ensure a smooth operation
• Work with local colleges and provide stalls for students

We will draw on the best elements of previous festive celebrations eg window display competition for retailers, children’s’ design competition and incorporating them across all areas, so all of our town centres are represented in an equal light.