The Teenage Market

Young traders and performers will be given a chance to showcase their creative products and talents for free when the Teenage Market comes to Tavistock on Saturday 20 May, supported by West Devon Borough and Tavistock Town Council.

 The Teenage Market is a fast-growing nationwide initiative, set up by teenage brothers, Joe and Tom Barratt, which is designed to 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 all 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 www.theteenagemarket.co.uk before Sunday 30 April and then apply to take part in the Tavistock Teenage Market on Saturday 20 May. 

 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.

 Nadine Trout, Commissioning Manager, West Devon Borough Council, said: “We’re really excited to be part of this national programme which has seen town centres involved in this project really flourish.  We are keen to make this happen quickly and are encouraged by the enthusiasm expressed by our local young people.  You don’t have to live in Tavistock to be part of this wonderful opportunity, we welcome young people from throughout the Borough to apply.”

 Tavistock Mayor, Cllr Mandy Ewings, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to engage entrepreneurial and creative teenagers who are studying Art, Music, Performance, Technology or Business Studies to use these lessons in a real commercial environment.  By holding a Teenage Market we will be encouraging the local economy and providing an audience for young people’s talents.” 

 Phil Ruse, Assistant Principal, Tavistock College, added: “Tavistock College is delighted to be working alongside West Devon Borough Council to promote and run the first Teenage Market in Tavistock. The concept is designed to put young people at the forefront of an enterprise and performance based event within the backdrop of a traditional market town. Tavistock College students are looking forward to being involved in the promotion and marketing of the event, whilst also being part of a showcase for our young co-operative groups and local entrepreneurs.” 

 Support local young traders and performers by visiting the Tavistock Teenage Market at Bedford Square on Saturday 20 May.

 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