Published: Tuesday, 1 March 2022

Oxford City Council is supporting a national initiative encouraging young traders and performers to get involved with their local market by taking part in a free event at Gloucester Green on 26 March.

The Teenage Market will be part of the weekly outdoor Oxford Gloucester Green Market and gives young entrepreneurs and performers a chance to showcase their creative products and talents.

The Teenage Market was originally set up by teenage brothers Joe and Tom Barratt in their hometown of Stockport, to bring more young people to their town’s local market. The events are now delivered across the whole of the UK, helping 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 “unique, 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 having being run in over 40 locations.

“Young people have really missed out on a lot of activities during the pandemic. The city is full of budding performers and entrepreneurs and this is a unique opportunity to get out and mix with new people while showcasing their talents.

"The City Council is committed to an inclusive economy for Oxford and wants to help young people to develop their business skills for the future. I hope local people come along to the market to show their support the city’s next generation of traders."

Councillor Mary Clarkson, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism

“As restrictions begin to ease and events are allowed to return, I’m looking forward to re-establishing our Teenage Market events across the country. Having seen the impact that our events have made on the lives of young people across the country, I’m delighted that Oxford is giving young people a free platform to get their businesses off the ground and showcase their creative talents.”

Joe Barratt, Co-creator of The Teenage Market

To apply to be a trader or performer at the market on Saturday 26 March, visit the Teenage Market website.

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