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Applications to trade at the Mayor's Thames Festival have now closed - successful applicants will be notified shortly.
If you have any queries about an existing application do please contact the Market team on 020 7960 2162 or email market@thamesfestival.org
If you're interested in trading at future Thames Festivals, please fill in your details at the bottom of this page and you will be sent an application form in Spring 2011
The market spans the entire Thames Festival site (Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge). The Market is a chance for the very best of London's trading community to come together harmoniously over one weekend, although we also welcome traders from further afield.
As London's largest free arts festival, it is important that the market complements and enhances the event. Our focus is on small creative and ethical businesses which reflect the unique character of our capital. Priority is given to craft traders who design and make their own products, and food traders who adhere to sustainable and ethical practices.
In 2009, The Market accommodated over 350 craft stalls and over 100 food traders.
What type of trader are we looking for?
The essence of the market is to promote creative and ethically conscious trade. Below are some important points on which we base our decisions.
Display
Neat, tidy and informative displays.
Clear signage denoting: stock origin, sourcing procedure, creative input.
Accountability and traceability in clear, easy to understand formats.
Remember: each trader makes a contribution to the event with their presence. The more effort every trader makes with display and friendly attitude, the better received the whole market and event will be. This affects the trade across site as a whole and everyone will have a better weekend!
Craft
Designer-makers: traders that design and make their own products. Sole agents of designer-makers are also welcome.
Specialist importers: traders that import speciality goods with a particularly high level of knowledge within their field.
Therapies and alternative practitioners: masseurs, holistic practitioners etc.
General craft: well presented, good quality specialist products.
Traders who use Fair Trade and ethically sourced materials and goods will be given priority.
Food
Below are the ‘7 Principles of Sustainability', as set out by ‘Sustain: The Alliance for Better Food and Farming'.
http://www.sustainweb.org/
Traders who adhere to these principles will be given priority in the selection process.
1) Use local, seasonally available ingredients as standard, to minimise energy used in food production, transport and storage.
2) Specify food from farming systems that minimise harm to the environment, such as certified organic produce, freedom food, and the red tractor mark.
3) Limit foods of animal origin (meat, dairy products and eggs) served, as livestock farming is one of the most significant contributors to climate change; promote meals rich in fruit, vegetables, pulses, wholegrains and nuts. Ensure that meat, dairy products and eggs are produced to high environmental and animal welfare standards.
4) Exclude fish species identified as most 'at risk' by the Marine Conservation Society, and choose fish only from sustainable sources - such as those accredited by the Marine Stewardship Council.
5) Choose Fairtrade-certified products for foods and drinks imported from poorer countries, to ensure a fair deal for disadvantaged producers.
6) Avoid bottled water and instead serve plain or filtered tap water in reusable jugs or bottles, to minimise transport and packaging waste.
7) Promote health and well-being by cooking with generous portions of vegetables, fruit and starchy staples like wholegrains, cutting down on salt, fats and oils, and cutting out artificial additives.
Artisan and specialist foods: representative of regional and cultural diversity.
Collective Trading: Traders sharing use of transport, utilities, refrigeration etc.
Disposables: the use of biodegradable and recyclable containers.
