Young traders and artists gear up for Carlisle Teenage Market

Organised by Cumberland Council and supported by the High Street Taskforce, the market takes place in the town’s centre, outside the Old Town Hall.

The Teenage Market initiative was established by Stockport brothers Joe and Tom Barratt.

The fast-growing venture supports nationwide transformation of city centres.

It encourages young entrepreneurs, between the ages of eight to 25 years old, to gain experience selling and marketing their own products.

From gazebos to sound equipment, the Teenage Market offers free infrastructure to attendants looking to gain experience in business.

Young performers also get the opportunity to display their talent to keen audiences throughout multiple gig slots available in the afternoon.

Joe Barratt, co-creator of The Teenage Market, 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, by working in partnership with the government’s High Streets Task Force 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.”

Carlisle's Teenage Market saw huge success at its launch in April 2023.

Last year's event saw 72 young traders setting up stalls and 14 amazing performances delighting attendees.

Aiden Thompson, 15 from Whitehaven, attended last year's Teenage Market in December with his business Cumbria Coastal Crafts.

He said: “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.”

Another group benefiting from the Teenage Market includes the girls club at The Rock Youth Project, Carlisle.

By selling homemade items at a market stall, club members funded a Christmas trip for all.

Hannah Gill, project manager at The Rock, said: "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 peoples had improved confidence and learnt money handling skills.

“The young people left the day buzzing; with a massive sense of achievement and accomplishment they were so proud of themselves.”

Councillor Anne Quilter, executive member for Vibrant and Healthy Places at Cumberland Council, said: “I am delighted that the Teenage Market is coming to Carlisle again and that it is continuing to capture the imagination of young traders and performers not only from Carlisle but also from right across Cumberland.

“The quality of products and performances on show at these markets is exceptional and I congratulate all those who take part for all their hard work and creativity.”

From vintage clothes to exquisite cakes, handmade ceramics to photographic prints, the Teenage Market promises something for everyone.

The Carlisle Teenage Market in the Market Square is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, from 10am to 3.30pm.

Future Teenage Markets are planned throughout the year.

For information about trading or performing at these events, visit https://theteenagemarket.co.uk/sign-up/.