Shop Small Businesses & Come Along to the Fonthill Road Christmas Market

This Christmas the Fashion-Enter Ltd team are thrilled to be involved with an Islington Council community project that supports local, small businesses and creatives. 

The Fonthill Road Christmas Market will take place on Saturday 4th December from 11am – 6pm. The Market will comprise of stalls selling fashion, jewellery, gifts, ceramics and more, with a strong emphasis on products that are handmade and unique. Alongside the stalls there will also be free family-friendly activities, live music (including a local school choir), crafts and seasonal refreshments, as well as a Christmas Light switch on by the Mayor of Islington at 4.30pm.

The market and on-going business support for the area has been made possible by The Welcome Back Fund, providing councils across England a share of £56 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support the safe return to high streets and help build back better from the pandemic. This funding builds on the £50 million Reopening High Street Safely Fund (RHSSF) allocated to councils in 2020 and forms part of the wider support government is providing to communities and businesses.

Fonthill Road has an established fashion trade heritage and is home to 150 independent fashion businesses selling clothes from all over the globe. Fashion-Enter joined the renowned road in 2019 with a shop for local designers, the FC Designer Collective, followed with a workspace and learning hub on the nearby Durham Road, to train and nurture creative local talent. The market will provide over 20 stalls to designers under the Fashion-Enter umbrella providing an excellent opportunity to sell and meet potential customers. The Christmas Market will also shine a spotlight and celebrate the area as well as encourage shoppers to buy local.

Cllr Asima Shaikh, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs said: “We know how tough the last year has been on our fantastic high streets and town centres. We are working with local businesses to make sure they are Covid safe, so that so we can all get out there and support them with confidence this winter.

“Every pound spent at a small business is worth three times more to the local economy than spending money at a chain, so join us at your nearest festive event, find something special and unique to give to a loved one and enjoy a mince pie!

“Islington’s Christmas lights are always a welcome, festive treat that lift our community up as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder. I encourage everyone to come down and enjoy them with us.”

Fashion-Enter presents the Fonthill Road Christmas Market, taking place alongside the Family Festive Event and Christmas lights turn on at 4.30pm 

Date: Saturday 4th December – 11am – 6pm Fonthill Road, London N4 right next to Finsbury Park tube, rail and bus station.

European Structural and Investment Funds 

The project is receiving up to £10k of funding from the England European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.  The Department for Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work and Pensions are the managing authorities for ERDF and ESF funding through the Growth Programme, funds established by the European Union to help local areas stimulate their economic development.  By investing in projects the funds will help to support innovation, businesses, skills and employment to improve local growth and create jobs.   For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding