Hackney,
04
July
2017
|
09:49
Europe/London

Hackney’s future talent takeover Well Street Market

Discover Young Hackney held a youth takeover day at Well Street Market on Saturday 1 July, showcasing young entrepreneurs and playing host to local musicians and performers on the market's live music stage, with a special guest appearance from Brit Award Winners Rudimental.

Rudimental have offered music mentoring to young performers across Hackney as part of Discover Young Hackney, one of the UKs biggest youth arts festivals, run by Hackney Council.

Rudimental’s Kesi, who was born and raised in the borough, said: “I’ve been very lucky to grow up amongst so many different cultures and so many influences and people from so many walks of life. We’ve been around the world touring, seen loads of different places, but there’s not many places I’ve felt that have that same sort of spirit as Hackney, I feel that gives you an advantage in life, having these experiences growing up.”

The Music stage at Well Street Market is building a reputation for its surprise pop up music events, as well as Rudimental, the stage has already been graced by big names such as Norman Jay MBE, who said: “I really love the community vibe here at Well Street Market. It’s really special.” This month the stage played host to future stars, such as the winner of Hackney Empire’s Alter Ego, Chifa K.

Alongside the music stage, the market stalls also saw a youth takeover. With wares on offer from London’s first ever Student Makers and Teenage Market. Here local designers, artists and makers benefit from free stalls and free training, so young entrepreneurial residents can have a go at being the next Wayne Hemmingway.

Jasmine, 13, who helps run the Morningside and Gascoyne youth club handmade bath bomb stall, said: “Doing the stall is really fun, it also gets you to think about how to start your own business and how to bring people towards your products.”

Alivia, 7, from Clapham, was excited to spend her pocket money at the Student Makers Market, she said: “This is so exciting. When I grow up I’d like to make all these things and run my own shop.”

Well Street Market’s Project Manager Kay Richardson said: "Well Street is the perfect place to celebrate and showcase and support the richness of talent here on our doorstep. We know we have exceptionally talented young people here in our community and we want to nurture, support and help them get the opportunities they deserve. We are really excited that Rudimental are supporting our community by mentoring our talented locals, this is such an amazing opportunity for our young people."

Since the market re-launched last December it has gone from strength to strength, building up quite a reputation locally thanks to events such as the Youth takeover day, and from Saturday 1 July, Well Street Market will be moving from a monthly to a weekly market. Visitors will be able to enjoy the food, fares, live music and community spirt every Saturday.

Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney
Hackney is the creative heart of London, and it’s through community platforms and collaborations like the Well Street Market Discover Young Hackney takeover, that new creative talent can be nurtured so the future artists, makers and entrepreneurs can secure Hackney’s legacy for future generations as the cultural heart of London.
Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney

Find out more about Discover Young Hackney and Well Street Market, you can also follow Well Street Market on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Follow #DYH17 to keep up to date with the Discover Young Hackney Festival.

Hackney Council are always looking for applications to from Market Traders at one of Hackney’s 600 pitches. To apply for a licence or to find out more about trading on Well Street Market visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/markets-traders or email marketsservice@hackney.gov.uk.

Photographs of the event, please credit Hackney Council/ Sean Pollock.