Praise for Youth Market - "For someone starting out, it’s perfect"
“For someone just starting out, it’s perfect because you can get a head start”
Wirral’s Youth Market has seen another hugely successful event this time held at the covered outdoor area at Birkenhead Market.
The event featured dozens of stalls showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial skills of local young people as well as music and artists.
Stalls included handmade jewellery, 3D printed figures, pet products, sportswear, crocheted handbags and stationery, while shoppers were able to treat themselves to a wide selection of delicious homemade cakes.
Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paul Stuart, said:
This was another brilliant event showcasing the skills and innovation of our talented young people who we can all be proud of. It was great to see so many people down there and enjoying not just the amazing products from these young entrepreneurs, but the artists and the entertainers too, all contributing to make this such a fantastic event.
In total there were 41 stalls run by young people aged between seven and 29 years old, while visitors were able to enjoy the atmosphere as they shopped thanks to a full roster of young performers entertaining visitors as they browsed or picked up a bite to eat.
The day even included a live “Art Jam” – produced by Make CIC – with local artists using their talent to design large scale murals and installations, transforming Birkenhead Market’s shutters live throughout the day.
Eva Easdown, whose stall was Facepaint Fever, said: “The event has been really good. It’s nice to see how many people have come down and there are so many different stalls as well.”
Her advice for those considering taking part in future Youth Markets is: “Just go for it. Believe in yourself and other people will believe in you too.”
Others also recommended other young traders to get involved in future events, saying: “If you have an idea and a passion, just go for it. You can come to these markets and they’re really good to get your brand out there.”
Other comments ranged from “It’s been amazing. I’ve met a bunch of lovely people and I’ve made a load of sales,” to “I’m kind of shy but it’s given me the opportunity to show people what I do.”
And: “At first I was really scared about doing it, but it’s really good.”
“For someone just starting out, it’s perfect because you can get a head start.”
“It’s a good way to get people to know about your business”
“Most of all I just love talking to people and connecting.”
Young performers also took to the stage through the day providing music and entertainment, among them a dazzling performance by Ukrainian dance group Radist.
Artists involved in the event included Rachel Smith-Evans of Quirky Design Co, SignsbyJames, a Wirral based self-taught artist. Gweni-Louu, a Birkenhead resident and visual artist was also there on the day, as well as Jessie Inkswell, a fantasy artist also from while other artists taking part included Michelle Murray, a Wirral resident and interdisciplinary artist and Convenience Gallery, a not for profit, creative arts platform based in Birkenhead.
Graffiti Workshops with Zap Graffiti was there to encourage those inspired to pick up a paintbrush after watching the professionals in action, with Art Jam offering visitors the chance to get involved and create artwork of their own.
The Youth Market in Birkenhead followed two previous successful events at Liscard and New Brighton. The Youth Market is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through the city region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation. Art Jam was made possible thanks to funding through the Future High Streets Fund (FHSF), which aims to renew and reshape town centres and high streets.
