The Teenage Market will return to Carlisle city centre this Saturday (28 March), bringing a vibrant showcase of young entrepreneurial talent and live performances to the heart of the city.
Hosted by Cumberland Council and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the event will take place in the pedestrianised area of the city centre and will feature up to 20 stalls run by young traders aged between 8 and 25. The market offers shoppers the chance to discover a wide range of unique, locally produced gifts and treats while supporting the next generation of makers, creatives and business owners.
Some of the young traders are using the Teenage Market as an opportunity to raise funds for upcoming educational trips abroad. A group of students from Richard Rose Central Academy and Morton Academy have been creating handmade crafts and treats to sell at the market, helping to fund a month‑long trip to Kenya in 2027 with Camps International.
Rafferty, aged 12, is a member of 3rd Wigton Sea Scouts and is raising money for a trip to the World Scout Jamboree. He told us why he is excited to be taking part:
“I have been selected to attend the World Scout Jamboree in Poland 2027, where Scouts from all over the world come together to learn new skills, take on adventurous challenges, and build friendships across cultures. To take part, I need to raise £3,500, which will help cover travel, accommodation, training, and programme costs”.
Rafferty will be selling handmade crafts including willow birdfeeders, willow hanging baskets, and decoupage clay birds at the market to help fund his trip.
Alongside the stalls, the Teenage Market will also host a programme of live performances from young singers, musicians and dancers from across the area, helping to create an enjoyable atmosphere and giving young performers a chance to share their talents with the public.
Wendy Dunn, Co-Director of Rocket Theatre Group who will be performing, said:
“Rocket Theatre Group is looking forward to performing for the first time at the Teenage Market. Our Juniors, Inters and Seniors will perform a selection of songs that they have been working on over the past few months including Pop, Motown and songs from their upcoming musical productions Aladdin and Shrek.”
In addition, free face painting will be available from 12pm to 2pm, offering an extra activity for families visiting the city centre.
Open to anyone aged between 8 and 25 years the Teenage Market offers young people the opportunity to try a business idea and gain experience of making, selling and marketing their own products in a risk-free environment.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places at Cumberland Council said:
“I am delighted that Carlisle’s Teenage Market is going from strength to strength, giving our young people the opportunity to trade and perform within a busy retail environment.
“The continued popularity of the Teenage Market highlights the growing community of young entrepreneurs across the Cumberland area. I know that everyone taking part will have put a great deal of time and effort into preparing their stalls and performances, and I hope as many people as possible will come along to support these talented young people.”
The Teenage Market will run from 10am to 3.30pm on Saturday 28 March, and shoppers are encouraged to come along, enjoy the entertainment and support local young talent.