Sparks Celebrates Young Creative Talent at the UK Creative Festival

The Creative Circle Young Talent and Short Film Awards were held in the Dodgems stage at Dreamland on the 11th July 2024, followed by an energetic networking and drinks reception sponsored by experiential agency Sparks in support of the next generation.

The Talent awards are free to enter for young creative talent across the industry, as part of the Creative Circle’s ongoing support of the next generation of creatives. They are judged purely online, and recognise the UK’s brightest young talent, as decided by the community they’re part of. 

Entrants were seated in retro bumper cars around the perimeter of the dodgems course, gripping the steering wheel as they waited to hear if they’d been named Finalist or Winner in their respective categories, which ranged from Most Promising Animator to Most Promising Sound Designer. 

Winners and Finalists received vibrant ceramic trophies, created by British designer Henry Holland, that are striped blue and white and adorned with a red smiley face. You can check out the winners here.

The awards were followed by a drinks reception hosted by experiential agency, Sparks. Playing into the retro feel of Dreamland, attendees could tuck into candyfloss, popcorn and Mr Whippy ice creams. The reception was attended by the finalists and winners as well as colleagues from their respective companies, which saw young talent from marketing agencies, production companies, post houses and sound studios take home awards. 

Continuing their support towards young creative talent Sparks also hosted Bright Sparks at Sunset on the 10th July, which invited a line-up of exceptional speakers to share their insights and expertise about nurturing and elevating young talent in the creative industries. 

Speaking to a packed-out rooftop bar as the infamous Margate sunset fell were: Rina Atienza, senior lecturer at Kingston University, Olly Rzysko, marketing director at The Body Coach / Ecologi, Tom Skinner, ECD at TikTok Europe and Rebecca Strickson, a Margate-based illustrator and designer. The panel was moderated by Jo Jackson, outgoing CEO at D&AD.

Jason Megson, SVP Sparks International commented, “We at Sparks are thrilled to be part of this vibrant and important festival. We believe that bringing young creatives together with experienced professionals drives the future of our industry forward. The UK Creative Festival and Creative Circle Awards are uniquely positioned to spark open and meaningful conversations with students and industry leaders and it's through these invaluable connections and exchanges that real progress happens."