Preparations are underway for this Saturday’s (22 June) Teenage Market in Carlisle.
The event will feature 18 stall holders and will be open to visitors between 10am and 3.30pm outside the Old Town Hall in the city’s Market Square.
Since its launch in April 2023 Carlisle’s Teenage Market has become a must attend event for Cumberland’s young entrepreneurs and performers.
This June’s event will also feature the following performers StagedRight, Harvey Bill, Harry Robinson, Rina Linton and Unstoppable Teens
The market is organised by Cumberland Council.
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.
The Teenage Market offers young people aged between 8 and 25 years old the opportunity to gain experience of selling and marketing their own products. Young performers can also have the chance to take part in the day with performance opportunities available. It is completely free for young people to attend the Teenage Market, with gazebos, tables and sound equipment being provided.
Co-creator of The Teenage Market, Joe Barratt, said:
“Taking part in Teenage Market events not only gives young people across the country the free opportunity to grow their small businesses, but it also helps them develop really important life skills for the future, such as building confidence and better communication.
“I applaud the work that Cumberland Council is doing in this area to bring a regular programme of Teenage Market events to Carlisle and hope that the local community continue to show their generous support for the inspiring young people involved in our events.”
Lisa Trevorrow’s son Alex, has taken part in all the Teenage Markets held in the city, she said:
“My son initially decided to take part in the Teenage Market to help him with his portfolio for his GCSE creative media course. He was looking for feedback more than anything on his photography and to gain an insight into the possibility of starting up his own business.
“We couldn't have ever imagined how successful this would be. At the first market it was amazing to see so many people of all different ages stop and have a chat with him about what he currently does and asking him questions about things he could offer in the future. He has since then attended every fair and has grown a successful small business. He has set up his own website (www.ajtphotography.uk or on Facebook @AlexTrevorrowPhotography), designed a logo and printed business cards and over the last year he has taken bookings and attended various events providing creative photography packages for schools, dance events, music gigs and family events such as special birthdays.
“He has made some fantastic contacts who have passed his details on to others who can help him expand his business and work alongside experienced photographers to learn new skills and practice.
“As a parent I was amazed to see how Alex handled the challenges of decision making and planning. It is also brilliant to see how he interacts with his customers and to hear the lovely feedback they have him.
“I would recommend to anyone. It really has given my son a huge boost in both earning for himself and more importantly his self-confidence.”
With a wide range of stalls selling everything from vintage clothes to exquisite cakes to dream lanterns to pebble art there is something for everyone at the Teenage Market, plus a fantastic programme of live performances to keep you entertained while you shop - it’s not to be missed.
You can ‘Like’ The Teenage Market on Facebook and follow them on Twitter/X @teenage_market