This year NLWA’s flagship activity is currently being designed to promote furniture reuse, repair and upcycling.

Following a successful event last year, NLWA will be delivering its second London Upcycling Show on 19 November 2017 at Walthamstow Assembly Hall. The event will include a number of features, as described below, and Groundwork London has successfully tendered for and was selected to organise the competition and the resultant upcycling show.

An upcycling competition open to amateur north London residents took place in the run up the exhibition. Upcycling methods included painting, refurbishment, redecoration or use of the item for another purpose rather than its designated use as long as it can be reused within the home. Competition entrants were invited to take part in each of the following categories:
• Upcycling of a children’s bedside table.
• Upcycling of an upright chair.
• Upcycling of an armchair.
• Upcycling of a side table.
• Upcycling of a sideboard.

A one-day exhibition will take place on Sunday 19 November, which will include the following:

• exhibits from a range of reuse, repair and upcycling organisations of furniture, textiles, electrical items and home wares;
• workshops and demonstrations of furniture repair, reuse and upcycling skills and techniques that attendees can take part in;
• display of items received via the competition prior to the exhibition;
• judging of the competition by a panel of experts; and
• announcement of winners and award of prizes.

The aim of the competition is to attract a minimum of five entrants per competition category and it is hoped that 200 people will attend the exhibition including for the competition judging. A minimum of 20 organisations will be present to exhibit their goods and services and run workshops and demonstrations.

It is anticipated that as a result of the London Upcycling Show, 0.5 tonnes of waste will be diverted directly via reuse, repair and upcycling. Feedback will be received from attendees, competition entrants and exhibitors via questionnaires.