Newark set to welcome its first ever Teenage Market

A market specifically for young and ambitious entrepreneurs to experience market trading and showcase their abilities for free is set to be held on Sunday 19 September 2021 at The Wharf car park in Newark between 10am and 4pm.

Newark Town Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council have partnered with the nationally renowned Teenage Market Company to bring the market to Newark.

The new venture is set to become a regular event in the Newark and Sherwood district, providing an opportunity for young people to have a first free taste of market trading. Young traders will also have the chance to apply for a long term pitch at Newark’s regular markets held in the nearby Market Place, one of the largest, oldest and most panoramic in the UK.

Ian Harrison, Markets Manager at Newark Town Council, said: “This event will not be a one off and will be the launch pad for a long term initiative to maximise the opportunities for young people in Newark and the local area who have a passion to become a successful entrepreneur through market trading at the historic Newark Royal Market, which has successfully served the town for more than 900 years.”

Further teenage markets will be held in the next six months within the district and market operators from across the North East Midlands will be at the event to see if an ongoing network of teenage markets across the region can be arranged.

Councillor Keith Girling, Chair of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Economic Development Committee, said: “This is a great initiative that has been successful nationwide and we are pleased to bring it to our district for young people to get the chance to become entrepreneurs. We hope residents come along and support the market and the young traders.”

On the same opening day, the highly popular Dragon Boat Race on the adjacent river will also be taking place. This event sees teams of up to ten rowers in 30 foot boats racing to support local charities; Beaumond House and the Newark Children’s Bereavement Centre. To add to the atmosphere of both events there will be live music and succulent street food.

Bookings are now being taken for the 15 stalls available at the Teenage Market. Stalls are free of charge and the deadline to apply is 1 September 2021. Residents can apply to Ian Harrison by emailing ian.harrison@newark.gov.uk or can call 07891 057 812 for further information.