Young people from all over the UK will gather in Manchester this weekend for the country’s only National Youth Market.
Traders aged 16 to 30 will be pitching up in King Street and delivering over 30 stalls of street food, funky fashion and handmade arts and crafts.
Councillor Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure expressed her excitement about the event.
“The National Youth Market has proved immensely popular with both young traders and shoppers since it began two years ago,” she said.
“I’m sure this year’s market will be even more successful and I’d encourage anyone in the city centre to pop along and marvel at the dedication, energy and entrepreneurial spirit of all the young traders.”
Judged by the operators of the city’s markets, the traders will be running for the £500 prize as well as to be crowned as the Young Trader of the Year.
“I’m proud that we’re able host to this market right in the heart of the city centre and hopefully offer a stepping stone to fruitful careers for the young traders,” the 32-year-old councillor added.
Local trader Hannah Mort, 27, said: “I am really proud of how I have built up the business, and think it is looking really wonderful.
“I have grown and so has the stall, I have now learned what it takes to be a market trader.”
“My customers have helped me build my confidence so much,” says the clothing business owner.
Eddie Cope-Prior, 23, from Canewdon, Essex, said: “I have been on the market scene since I was 13 years old.
“For about a year now I have been self-employed, recently registering my own company. The National Youth Market will showcase my business up north – it’s a fantastic opportunity for my business to grow.”
The National Youth Market is open for business in King Street tomorrow from 11am to 5pm and on Saturday June 27 from 11am to 6pm.
