WATERLOO will play host to a ‘Best of British’ youth market on April 27 and 28.

As the world’s media descends on the capital for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, local young people will be showcasing their alternative design skills and entrepreneurial spirit at the two-day market on Lower Marsh. 

The market is the result of a combined effort from Waterloo Quarter, the Oasis Trust and the Prince’s Trust, who all want to help unemployed local young people realise their potential by setting up a small business trading from a market stall.

Masterminded by the Oasis Trust, the project will see participants attend an initial briefing session, before undergoing a four day training workshop in March, run by the Prince’s Trust, to help them grow and develop their business idea.

This will then culminate in the two market days in April, with a further two scheduled for May. The market days will be heavily promoted by Waterloo Quarter to drive footfall to the area.

Chris Easton, Youth Projects Manager at Oasis UK, said: "Youth unemployment is a major issue in SE1. The youth enterprise market will give young people a positive outlet for their creativity, the support of professionals through the Prince's Trust to develop their business ideas, and an opportunity to showcase their talents to the local community."

The project will also seek to offer sustainable employment opportunities for participants through incentives for taking up a stall on a permanent basis.