A market which aims to promote young entrepreneurs and performers is returning to Carlisle later this month.

The Teenage Market had a successful launch in the city last year, and in total 72 traders attended all three markets held in 2023 as well as 14 performers.

The market, organised by Cumberland Council, returns to Carlisle’s city centre on Saturday, April 27.

The market offers people aged between eight and 25 a chance to sell their wares and perform on the day.

To get involved by booking a slot, visit https://theteenagemarket.co.uk/sign-up/. 

Aiden Thompson, aged 15 from Whitehaven, attended his first Teenage Market in December with his business Cumbria Coastal Crafts.

He said: “I decided to take part in the teenage market to widen my market and have people from Carlisle know about my business.

“The Teenage Market led to an increase in sales revenue which I could then use to fund further growth of the business.

“I enjoyed interacting with customers and telling people about the products I sell and how I make them.

“At the market, I gave out business cards which led to an increase in followers on social media and a handful of orders for commissioned pieces.

“I would definitely recommend the teenage market to anyone considering it as it is free and will help increase the awareness around your business and people will want to support you.”

Members of the girls club at The Rock Youth Project, Carlisle, had a stall at the December market to fundraise for a Christmas trip which all members of the club could attend.

Hannah Gill, project manager at The Rock, said: “Doing the stall, the young people started off feeling shy and nervous, not knowing how to communicate with the public, however, they quickly learnt how to attract people to the stall.

“The young people went from being shy and nervous to building fast rapport with customers which meant we had lots of sales at one point they had a queue. 

“The young people had improved confidence and learnt money handling skills.”

READ MORE: Teenage market in Carlisle hailed as great success