Christmas edition of Wirral Youth Market comes to Birkenhead this week

28 November 2024

Customers browse market stalls at Wirral's last Youth Market event

Wirral Youth Market returns next week for its third event in Birkenhead

Over 30 young entrepreneurs and performers will be showcasing their talent next Saturday 7th December at the latest Wirral Youth Market event, where shoppers will be able to shop local as well as enjoying a host of free festive family activities.

The event, running from 10am – 4pm, will celebrate the start of the Christmas season in Birkenhead. Youth Market traders will be offering everything from crafts, art, fashion and accessories to tasty treats and hot food, making it the ideal place to pick up unique gifts. Adding to the merry atmosphere, young performers – ranging from solo artists to choirs - will take to the stage throughout the course of the day, entertaining visitors as they browse the stalls on offer or pick up a bite to eat.

Alongside the Youth Market itself, a range of other activities are planned, including:

Festive Family Activities

Entertaining the children while picking up some gifts will be easy thanks to the free children’s fairground rides on offer, as well as craft activities including build your own bear workshops.

Father Christmas is also set to make a special appearance between 1 – 3pm, look out for him around the event space and by the Christmas tree.

A live Art Jam

This dynamic event – produced by Make CIC - will see eight local artists using their talent to design large scale murals and installations, transforming Birkenhead Market’s shutters live throughout the day between 10am – 4pm.

A snapshot of the artists confirmed to be taking part include:

Rachel Smith-Evans of Quirky Design Co, a decorative artist based at Make North Docks in Liverpool, who created artwork for both Eurovision and Taylor Town and has been featured on BBC’s The One Show and ITV
SignsbyJames, a Wirral based self-taught Artist who is ‘making people happy by splashing paint about’. He has worked on murals, window displays and more across Wirral
Gweni-Louu, a Birkenhead resident and visual artist who is known for her vibrant abstract paintings of the North Wales coastline.
Jessie Inkswell, a fantasy artist from Birkenhead loves bringing characters to life, with a specialty in original character design
Catherine Rogers, from Liverpool, who is known for creating detailed, intricate paper designs, sculptures, and installations that bring narratives to life through image-based storytelling.
Andrew Wolfenden, a graphic artist based in Liverpool with a love for all things bold and colourful. Originally from a graffiti background, his work now comprises an abstract and upbeat mix of typography, graphic shapes, illustration and texture. He’s worked with brands such as Ray-Ban, Adidas and the Museum Of Liverpool
Michelle Murray, a Wirral resident and interdisciplinary artist. She specialises in illustration, drawing inspiration from everyday life to childhood. Michelle’s work encompasses a variety of media ranging from 3D work, painting and printing to express her ideas.

Bright artwork on an industrial building by Art Jam artist Andrew Wolfenden — Work by Andrew Wolfenden, a graphic artist based in Liverpool, who is one of the artist's taking part in Youth Market's Art Jam event

Graffiti Workshops with Zap Graffiti

For those inspired to pick up a paintbrush after watching the professionals in action, Art Jam will also offer visitors the chance to get involved and create artwork of their own. Liverpool-based Zap Graffiti will host a series of workshops throughout the day, allowing the public to tap into their artistic side and contribute toward a community mural. There’s no need to book, and people are invited to join in at the rolling sessions between 10am – 4pm.

People stood looking at a graffiti mural — Zap Graffiti will be running drop in workshops at Birkenhead's Youth Market, allowing visitors to contribute to a community mural

Getting there

Wirral Youth Market will take place in Birkenhead Market’s covered outdoor space, next to Birkenhead Bus Station. Parking is available nearby in The Grange or the Pyramids.

Those heading along to the Youth Market can also make a day of Christmas shopping within the town centre, with its mix of national chains and independent retailers.

Youth Market is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through the city region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation. Art Jam has been made possible thanks to funding through the Future High Streets Fund (FHSF), which aims to renew and reshape town centres and high streets.

Wirral Youth Market takes place on Saturday 7th December between 10am – 4pm at Birkenhead Market’s outdoor event space next to the Bus Station. Follow the Facebook event page for more information.