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World Market event information
History 
Children and Families Across Borders' (CFAB) World Market has been running continually since 1959 providing successful Fairs to raise funds for the UK branch of International Social Service (ISS UK) as we were previously known.
Mavis Coulson who as a young Foreign Office wife on a London posting volunteered her services to ISS UK in the late 1950s, helped run a stall for ISS at a charity fair in 1958. The following year she chaired the first ISS UK International Spring Fair, and raised £500, a tenfold increase on the 1958 takings. The Fair has for over fifty years been the chief fundraising event for the UK branch of the charity, consistently increasing in size and profitability, thanks to the enthusiastic and generous participation of so many London-based diplomatic missions. It has also become a much-loved event in London’s social calendar.
The World Market is unique as an annual miracle of international cooperation in the cause of helping broken and divided families whose particular problems frequently involve more than one language or legal system or cross national boundaries.
Past World Markets have taken place at Chenil Galleries in the Kings Road, at Chelsea Town Hall and at Kensington Town Hall, where it currently resides.
We would love to work on a more in-depth history of the fair and would find it interesting and helpful to have details of past Spring Fairs (World Market) from those who organised and took part in them.
CFAB is very honoured to have HRH Princess Alexandra as its patron who attends the World Market every year.
The event is led by an 8 person committee, with Mrs Heather Starkey as Chair, and is supported by one Events Manager.
The purpose of the World Market is primarily to raise income for the charity. However it is also a vital awareness raising activity, and provides us with many of our dedicated supporters.
The World Market runs over two days which are always the second week of May on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Tuesday is the preview evening and runs from 5.30pm till 9.00pm; this is by invitation only and is attended by many of our dedicated supporters. The Wednesday from 11.00am till 6.00pm, it is open to the public and anyone can attend.
We have craft stalls in the foyer, great hall and lower foyer; these consist of countries selling products unique to each individual country, we also have restaurant stalls on the first floor selling a variety of food.
Teas, coffees and a selected alcohol are served in the foyer.
To download a stall booking form please click here
Musicians and dancers are all provided by the countries involved in the World Market but if you know of any group or individual that would like to perform please contact us to discuss further.
Fundraising activities at the event
Wonderful prizes can be won at any one of our three fundraising activities during the event:
Raffle – Tickets can be purchased before and during the event. Raffle tickets are £1 each and £5 for a booklet
Silent auction – Bidding starts at the beginning of the preview day and ends at 4pm on the public day.
Tombola – Runs throughout the event. Tombola tickets are £1 or £3 for 5.
Once bought, tickets will not be refunded, exchanged or replaced unless the event is cancelled.
Adults £5
Students £1 with valid ID
Children under 10 free
A security search may be carried out before entering the hall. CFAB reserves the right to refuse admission to any person.
We have a team of volunteers that help on the day but we are always looking for more so if you have the time and would like to take part please contact us.
CFAB is very grateful to all our sponsors who have so generously supported us over the years. Please click here to see our sponsors page
Location: Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX
Parking is limited, so we recommend using public transport.
If driving, there is a public car park immediately below the Town Hall.
Additional public car parks are also available at the Royal Garden Hotel
(Kensington High Street) and in Young Street.
Please keep in mind Kensington Town Hall is located in the Congestion Zone.
By Underground - Take the Circle or District Line to High Street Kensington.
After exiting through the arcade onto Kensington High Street, cross the street
and walk approximately 100 yards straight up Hornton Street. The Town Hall
is on the left side of the street.
By Bus – Take numbers 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 328 or C1. Alight at Kensington
High Street/Wrights Lane junction. Alternatively, take numbers 52 or 70 and
alight at Kensington Church Street.
Wheelchairs are allowed, but need to be warned about overcrowding and potential difficulties moving around.
Pushchairs unfortunately are not allowed, but can be left at the door with security.
No dogs (except guide dogs) or other pets will be admitted.
Please contact us if you require any further information or details regarding this event.