A Christmas market featuring young traders will be held in Carlisle this month.
On Saturday November 23, the market will be held in The Lanes Shopping Centre between 10am and 3pm.
For the second consecutive year the market is being held in partnership between Cumberland Council and The Lanes.
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.
It is the seventh Teenage Market in Carlisle since April 2023. The Teenage Market is a nationwide initiative set up by teenage brothers Joe and Tom Barratt in Stockport to transform town and city centres with the creativity of young people.
Carlisle’s Teenage Market offers young people aged between eight and 25 the opportunity to gain experience of making, selling and marketing their own products, as well as the chance to perform within the city centre.
Councillor Anne Quilter, executive member for vibrant and healthy places at Cumberland Council, said: “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.
“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 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 be performing at the market, added: “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.”
