The popular Teenage Market is set to return to Carlisle later this month.

Since its launch in April 2023, the Teenage Market has become a must-attend event for Cumberland’s young entrepreneurs and performers.

Last year, 72 traders and 14 performances attended the three markets held in the city.

Organised by Cumberland Council, the fast-growing nationwide initiative will return to Carlisle’s city centre on Saturday, June 22.

Traders and performers slots are booking out fast, but there is still time to secure a place.

Young entrepreneurs and performers are invited to create their profiles on the Teenage Market website before applying to participate in the Carlisle Teenage Market.

The Teenage Market, created by teenage brothers Joe and Tom Barratt in Stockport, offers young people aged between 8 and 25 years the chance to gain selling and marketing experience.

It also provides young performers with an opportunity to showcase their talents.

The event is entirely free for young people with gazebos, tables, and sound equipment provided.

Co-creator of The Teenage Market, Mr J Barratt 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 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."

Alex Trevorrow, has taken part in all of the markets so far, and his mum Lisa Trevorrow, said: "My son initially decided to take part in the Teenage Market to help him with his portfolio for his GCSE creative media course.

"He was looking for feedback more than anything on his photography and to gain an insight into the possibility of starting up his own business.

"We couldn't have ever imagined how successful this would be.

"He has set up his own website (www.ajtphotography.uk or on Facebook @AlexTrevorrowPhotography), designed a logo and printed business cards and over the last year he has taken bookings and attended various events providing creative photography packages for schools, dance events, music gigs and family events such as special birthdays."

She also added: "He has made some fantastic contacts who have passed his details on to others who can help him expand his business and work alongside experienced photographers to learn new skills and practice.

“As a parent I was amazed to see how Alex handled the challenges of decision making and planning. It is also brilliant to see how he interacts with his customers and to hear the lovely feedback they have him.

"I would recommend to anyone. It really has given my son a huge boost in both earning for himself and more importantly his self-confidence."

With a diverse range of stalls selling products from vintage clothes, exquisite cakes, handmade crochet soft toys to stunning needlecraft and an array of live performances, the Teenage Market has something for everyone.

The Carlisle Teenage Market will run in the Market Square on Saturday, 22 June, from 10am to 3.30pm.

You can also find information on their Facebook page or on @teenage_market on Twitter.