The market served as a lively hub where the community could gather, featuring a diverse range of local vendors, live performances, and interactive experiences.
Camden Council launched its first-ever Evening Street Market last week, drawing hundreds of residents and visitors to Inverness Street for a vibrant showcase of food, culture, and entertainment. This family-friendly trial event is part of the council’s broader initiative to explore innovative evening activities and assess the viability of night markets in the borough.
The market served as a lively hub where the community could gather, featuring a diverse range of local vendors, live performances, and interactive experiences. As a pilot project, it provided the council with an opportunity to gather feedback from attendees and local businesses, shaping future plans for Camden’s evening economy.
A New Initiative for Camden’s Nightlife
Councillor Sabrina Francis, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People, and Culture, emphasised the market’s significance in fostering community engagement and supporting local enterprises.
“This new evening market has proven to be a fantastic addition to Camden Town, offering residents and visitors a chance to come together and experience the fantastic culture, talent, and local businesses our community has to offer,” she said. “We’re committed to creating a vibrant and safe borough for everyone. This market will help us understand how we can best support and develop evening markets, providing a space where families can connect, discover new things, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Camden after dark.”
Echoing these sentiments, Councillor Nasrine Djemai, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Community Investment, highlighted the importance of creating welcoming public spaces.
“This market will help towards building vibrant and safe spaces for everyone to enjoy, whilst championing our community,” she said. “We’re showcasing the very best of Camden – our incredible culture, our rebellious spirit, our support for local businesses, and the brilliant talent that makes our community so special.”
Entertainment and Local Talent Shine
A key highlight of the event was its live entertainment, featuring performances that celebrated the borough’s artistic diversity. Young musicians from the HvH Arts Music Mentoring Programme took to the stage, followed by an energetic set from Folk Dance Remixed, a group known for its contemporary reimagining of traditional folk dance. The evening was rounded off with a lively performance from a traditional mariachi band, ensuring a rich and engaging experience for attendees of all ages.
Supporting Local Businesses
The market also played a vital role in promoting local entrepreneurship. A variety of vendors, many from the surrounding area, offered everything from global street food to handcrafted artisanal goods, reflecting Camden’s eclectic and dynamic character. By creating a platform for small businesses to thrive, the initiative aligns with the council’s ongoing efforts to support the local economy.
A Government-Backed Initiative
Funded with £15,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this pilot market is a key part of Camden’s Evening and Night-time Strategy. The programme aims to ensure Camden remains a welcoming, safe, and inclusive destination for evening and night-time activities.
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