Wyre Weekend Takeover with The Teenage Market!
In December 2025, Place For Youth delivered a vibrant weekend of youth-led Teenage Market activity across Wyre that saw young people transforming Cleveleys and Fleetwood through their creative enterprise, performance and community connections.
Across two different locations, one message was clear: when young people are given the space, support and trust to lead, they rise to the occasion.
Cleveleys: confidence, creativity and community 🌈
Our Cleveleys Teenage Market took place on Saturday 13 December 2025 at Cleveleys Citizens Hall, welcoming 15 young traders aged 13–23. Collectively, they made £980 in a single day, with 100% reporting improved business skills and saying they would take part again.
But the real impact went far beyond sales, as can be seen in the images below…
For many of the young people involved, this was their first experience of running a stall, speaking to customers and being taken seriously as entrepreneurs.
For Claudia Murphy, a 14-year-old jewellery maker, the Teenage Market offered more than just a place to sell her creations. Completely self-taught, she has spent the last three years designing handmade jewellery alongside decorative crafts. Trading in person gave Claudia the chance to share her work face to face, build confidence, and discover what it really means to run a small business on her own terms.
“Taking part in the Cleveleys event really boosted my confidence and communication skills, and having my own stall helped me grow professionally.”
Also among the Cleveleys traders was Lucy Drewe-Smith, a 14-year-old crocheter. For Lucy, who is autistic, the Teenage Market was again more than a sales opportunity – it was a breakthrough moment for her. She spoke openly about feeling anxious beforehand and struggling with social communication, but selling products she had made herself changed everything.
“Because it was my own stuff, I could answer any questions. I think doing more will help with my confidence. Everybody was really nice. It felt positive to be around other young people who have the same sort of mindset.”
“Everybody worked together and it felt really welcoming.”
The event also had a strong social impact. Jacob Sedman, a 16 year old autistic young trader from Cleveleys, was able to raise £70 for Brian House Children’s Hospice at the event. His father described how supportive and friendly the environment was throughout the day.
“Jacob really enjoyed his day and raised £70 for Brian House charity. He can’t thank you enough for the opportunity. The staff were very friendly, and the other stall holders were really lovely to speak to.”
Live performances also added to the atmosphere inside the community hall, including local dance duo Cerys (17) and Tilly (12) from Razcals Theatre Company, and 14-year-old Harvey, who travelled from Sunderland to perform festive favourites – even surprising a friend of the family who lives locally and had never seen him perform before!
Fleetwood: young traders, big hearts ❤️
The following day, the Teenage Market arrived at Fleetwood Outdoor Market on Sunday 14th December 2025. Despite challenging weather, five traders aged 9–18 took part, collectively earning £200, with 100% saying they would return and had developed new business skills.
One of the youngest traders was nine year-old Mia Swarbrick-Rushin from Blackpool, who ran a stall selling hand-painted stones that were collected from beaches she had visited. Mia’s goal was not personal profit but generosity, by donating her sales to Brian House Children’s Hospice.
“As a result of the stall, I made £70. This allowed me to buy and donate 60 selection boxes and gift 20 teddies to Brian House Children’s Hospice – thank you for helping me do this.”
Both events also benefited from paid opportunities for students from Blackpool Sixth Form, who supported event delivery, visitor engagement and data collection – gaining real-world experience and confidence, with several going on to apply to trade at future Teenage Market events.
A model that works
The Wyre Weekend Takeover demonstrated exactly what Place For Youth stands for: youth-led placemaking that delivers real impact.
Across Cleveleys and Fleetwood, young people:
built confidence and communication skills
earned their own money in a safe, supportive setting
connected with peers, customers and local communities
contributed positively through charity fundraising and volunteering
took their first (or next) steps as entrepreneurs and creatives
With the continued support of Wyre Council and local partners, this weekend laid strong foundations for future youth-led activity across the borough.
And for the young people involved, it was just the beginning.
#FutureSkills #ConfidenceBuilding #YoungEntrepreneurs #CreativeConfidence #UKSPF #InclusiveOpportunities #Wyre #Cleveleys #Fleetwood #LancashireLife #LoveWhereYouLive