Kingston’s Magical Market Trail

With mentions of a bustling traditional market in Kingston-upon-Thames since the thirteenth century, the town has certainly witnessed its fair share of monetary and material exchange – as well as a great amount of marketplace gossip, chatter and scandal, no doubt.

However, with the news of Kingston’s much-loved Christmas market being cancelled due to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis comes the announcement of something altogether more magical as Kingston aims to retain visitors who typically flock to the town over the festive season.

In an initiative spanning local schools and households, Kingston First is asking the area’s young people to get creative in preparation for their Magical Market of Kingston Town initiative, to be experienced through AR (Augmented Reality) this winter. Experienced through smartphones, tablets and AR headsets, Kingston’s young creatives will determine what families discover through their camera lenses as they follow a trail on the hunt for Kingston’s hidden stallholders.

Open to all children 16 and under attending school within the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Kingston First asks that applications feature the character’s front and back profile, and the goods they’re selling on their magical stall. Let their imaginations run wild with their accompanying character description, allowing designers to further bring the figures to life. Entries must be received by November 16th – You can find out more about entry requirements and how to submit your entries here.

You can still get your Christmas fair fix this year – check out our guide to all things festive here.