Young singers, dancers and bands will take part in this Saturday’s (23 November) Carlisle Teenage Market.
All performers are aged under 18 years old and have signed up to take centre stage at the Christmas market to be held in The Lanes Shopping Centre between 10am and 3pm.
The following programme is in place:
- 11am - 11.30am: Harvey Bill
- 11.30am - 12pm: Harry Robinson
- 12.30pm - 1pm: Frazer Johnston
- 1pm - 1.30pm: The Spectrum
- 2pm - 2.30pm: Studio A Dance Company
- 2.30pm - 3pm: Jordyn Louise Dance
For the second consecutive year, the market is being held in partnership between Cumberland Council and The Lanes Shopping Centre, with the performance area being located in front of the former Debenhams store.
It aims to offer shoppers the opportunity to buy some unique and locally made Christmas gifts for family and friends, as well as a programme of live entertainment throughout the day from young local performers.
This will be the seventh Teenage Market in Carlisle since the first event was held in April 2023. The Teenage Market is a fast-growing nationwide initiative set up by teenage brothers Joe and Tom Barratt in Stockport to transform our town and city centres with the creativity of young people.
Carlisle’s Teenage Market offers young people aged between 8 and 25 years old the opportunity to gain experience of making, selling and marketing their own products, as well as the chance to perform within the city centre. The event has been organised on the build up to Small Business Saturday (7 December).
Councillor Anne Quilter, Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places at Cumberland Council said:
“I am delighted that the Christmas Teenage Market is being held once again and that we are continuing support this fantastic initiative. Taking part in the Teenage Market provides our young people with a wonderful opportunity to develop so many life skills as well as real life experience of running their own business.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with The Lanes Shopping Centre on this event once again and thank them for providing our young people with the opportunity to trade within a busy retail environment.”
“I know all those taking part will have worked exceptionally hard getting everything ready for their stalls and performances and I hope as many people as possible can visit the Teenage Market and support our talented young people.”
Susan Young, Manager of The Lanes Shopping Centre added:
“We are delighted to be able to host the Christmas Teenage Market in The Lanes again this year through our ‘Community at The Lanes’ programme. It is fantastic to see so many young people beginning their careers in retail through taking part in the Teenage Market and we are thrilled to be able to support them in this journey. We are looking forward to the event and know that the market will really complement the Christmas shopping experience for our customers.”
Michelle Nichols-Davis, whose son Max has attended many of the previous markets said:
“What a lovely time to spend together, seeing the creations my child comes up with and turning their designs into a little business. The sense of belonging to the Teenage Market and the friends my child has made since joining has been great as being newcomers to the area, it has really helped my child to settle in and encourage them creatively. It is well managed by the Teenage Market team and has a great sense of belonging, thank you for all the hard work that goes into producing this market and the encouragement and experience it gives to all the kids that contribute to the market.”
Having a stall at the market, with her business Whimsical Fairies, will be Amy Nash’s first experience of the Teenage Market. Amy said:
“The Teenage Market is an incredible platform for young creatives. It not only showcases their talent but also empowers them to turn their passion into a business. It's refreshing to find a space that values artistic expression and provides opportunities and a community for young people who, like me, may not fit the traditional academic or athletic mould.”
Sam Wilkinson, Principal at Studio A Dance Company, Carlisle whose students will once again be performing at the market added:
“At Studio A Dance Company we love our students to be able to take part and perform in local opportunities like the Teenage Market. It gives them such a boost in confidence and allows them to see what other people their age are doing and how they could also have a market stall of their own next year and start an entrepreneurship. It also reminds our community that young students do have passions and so much potential in their field whether it’s dance, singing or a business venture. A passion that should not be overlooked! Thank you for allowing us to perform again!”
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