Carlisle
Held in key city centre locations, The Teenage Market in Carlisle has not only showcased the creative talent of local young people but also strengthened community ties, creating vibrant public spaces that are buzzing with activity.
The Teenage Market in Carlisle brought a wave of creativity and energy to the city in 2023. Held across the Market Place and The Lanes Shopping Centre, the events have proved incredibly popular with the city’s young people, with the Christmas event becoming fully booked within 12 hours of being announced! The Teenage Market has not only celebrated young entrepreneurial talent but has also fostered a sense of real pride in Carlisle. Performers have brought the city centre to life with live music and dance, drawing crowds together to cheer on their talents.
Feedback from young traders and performers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the sense of community, the chance to network, and the invaluable opportunity to learn new skills.
One of the traders, Amy Nash, said “The Teenage Market is an incredible platform for young creatives. It not only showcases our talent but also empowers us to turn our passion into a business.” She added that “It's refreshing to find a space that values artistic expression and provides opportunities for young people who, like me, may not fit the traditional academic or athletic mould.”
Sam Wilkinson, Principal at Studio A Dance Company, whose students performed at the market said, “We love our students taking part in events 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.”
Featured on BBC News!
The Carlisle Teenage Market was featured on BBC News, with a comment from Amber Maxfield, 17, who sells hand-designed crafts including jewellery, coasters and mugs. She told the BBC that business had been “really good" and that she would “definitely” be at the next event.
Several traders described how participating in the events has helped them develop confidence and gain hands-on business experience, such as understanding customer engagement and managing sales. Parents also shared their appreciation for the events, with one noting that they had seen their 11-year-old daughter hugely grow in confidence, learning to handle customers, calculate prices, and even discuss profit margins.
Another shared how “The Teenage Market has really led to an improved sense of belonging for my child, especially as we’re newcomers to the area. It’s enabled him to make friends, settle in and encourage him creatively.”
The manager of The Lanes Shopping Centre, which have facilitated the events, said “It is fantastic to see so many young people begin their careers in retail through taking part in the Teenage Market and we are thrilled to be able to support them in that journey.”
The markets have extended their impact beyond trading. Youth organisations, including The Rock Youth Project and Carlisle Youth Zone, supported groups of young people by involving them in the event, helping them to prepare for and participate in each market.
A young sound technician, sourced by Carlisle Youth Zone, has managed the live performance programme at all the events. This has provided them with practical experience in event management, sound production, and audience engagement, which they have credited with sparking their passion for a career in event management.
Speaking about the events, Cumberland Council officer Helen Tickner, who has co-ordinated the market activity, said that "It's all about supporting the young people in the area who want to develop their businesses” and that the aim is to show young people that “Carlisle's a great place for businesses".
Cumberland Council are committed to developing the initiative further, expanding it to more areas in 2025.