Teenage Market at Rochdale Town Hall to showcase local youth talent

Rochdale Town Hall is set to host The Teenage Market this Saturday (12 October), offering residents a unique shopping experience while supporting young people from across the borough. 

The Teenage Market provides a platform for young traders and performers aged between 13 and 25 to showcase their creative products and talents. 

Held within the historic and beautifully restored Rochdale Town Hall, the market is part of a fast-growing nationwide initiative founded by teenage brothers Joe and Tom Barratt in Stockport.

The initiative aims to transform town and city centres with the creativity of young people.

 

 

Supporters of The Teenage Market include renowned businessman Theo Paphitis, designer Wayne Hemingway, and retail guru Mary Portas, who described the initiative as being “innovative and inspiring”.

The vibrant energy and diversity of the young participants are helping to breathe new life into high streets, town centres, and market areas across the country, with events now running in over 25 locations.

Attendees can enjoy a variety of performances throughout the day, ranging from folk bands and military brass bands to choirs and solo artists. Additionally, local businesses will offer tasty hot food immediately outside Rochdale Town Hall.

In preparation for the market, Rochdale Creates has organised free evening training and information sessions for stallholders.

These sessions feature advice and support from established businesses on visual merchandising and pricing, aimed at first-time market traders.

Joe Barratt, co-creator of The Teenage Market, 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.”

Councillor Susan Smith added, “We are delighted that Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency are giving young people a free platform to get their businesses off the ground and showcase their creative talents as part of the Rochdale Creates programme.”

She encouraged local youth, stating, “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.”

Residents are invited to support local young traders and performers by visiting The Teenage Market at Rochdale Town Hall on Saturday 12 October 2024. For more information on the range of stallholders and performers, visit www.theteenagemarket.co.uk

The event will take place from 11am to 4pm and is free to attend.