The Teenage Market is coming to Blackburn for a second year in an initiative with Blackburn Business Improvement District, Blackburn College and the Festival of Making on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th May and is giving young traders and performers a chance to showcase their creative products and talents for free.
The Teenage Market is a fast-growing nationwide initiative set up by teenage brothers Joe and Tom Barratt in Stockport transform town and city centres with the creativity of young people.
Supporters of The Teenage Market include businessman Theo Paphitis, designer Wayne Hemingway and retail guru Mary Portas, who described the initiative as being “innovative and inspiring”.
The energy, diversity and vibrancy of the young people who take part in Teenage Markets is helping to breathe life back into high streets, town centres and market areas across the country, with events now being run in over 25 locations.
Getting involved couldn’t be simpler. Simply create your trader or performer profile on the Teenage Market website and then apply to take part.
After you’ve applied to take part, the organisers will be in touch to let you know if you have been allocated a free stall or performance slot.
Co-creator of The Teenage Market, Joe Barratt, said “The Teenage Market really is the key to identifying a new generation of market traders by making young people an active part of our town centres.
“We are delighted that Blackburn BID is giving young people a free platform to get their businesses off the ground and showcase their creative talents.”
He added, “I’d encourage any creative young person to get involved with The Teenage Market as there are so many positive opportunities that can come out of it.”
The Teenage Markets co-ordinator, Bethany Spence, said: “As event students, the opportunity to organise The Teenage Markets in collaboration with the National Festival of Making has been a invaluable experience for each member of the team.
“It’s an exciting project to represent young people in the borough and inspire other students to work with local businesses to enhance their studies.”
Harriet Roberts, manager of the Blackburn BID, said: “We are excited to be working with The Teenage Markets and the Festival of Making for a second year.
“Visitors will be able to discover the stalls and performers in Ainsworth Street during the weekend.”
To apply to be a trader or performer visit www.theteenagemarket.co.uk. You can ‘Like’ The Teenage Market on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @teenage_market
Pictured L-R: Eleanor Kay-Davies, Leigh Ann Mchallam, Bethany Spence, Angela O’ Toole and Jennifer Porteous.
