Festive Teenage Market success is a ‘Claus’ for celebration

On Saturday 29 November 2025, Thanet hosted its second successful Festive Teenage Market. The seasonal shopping event took place between 11am and 4pm at The Centre in Margate.

The Festive Teenage Market provides a platform for young people to showcase their incredible creative skills and develop valuable business experience. It was the largest market to date with more than 50 dedicated young entrepreneurs from across Thanet and surrounding towns selling their creations. The effort and passion they put into designing their stalls and products was evident and collectively they exceeded £4,500 in sales. Alongside the stalls, 10 talented young performers, from solo singers and musicians, plus a local band of school students took to the stage throughout the day. There is a strong, supportive community that has grown around the market. Local people and businesses showed strong support by displaying promotional posters and offering special deals, which contributed to the positive and encouraging atmosphere of the day.

The event was attended by Chair of the Council, Cllr Debra Owen-Hughes, who personally visited every stall, awarding one lucky entrepreneur the ‘Best Presented Stall’ award and a £25 prize. Also in attendance were Polly Billington MP and Cllr Katie Pope, Mayor of Margate, who browsed the various offerings and enjoyed performances by the young artists. This festive edition of the market successfully built on the popularity of four previous Teenage Market events.

Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth at Thanet District Council, said: “The Festive Teenage Market was an undeniable success. Thanet hosted its first market in July 2024, and it has truly gone from strength to strength, culminating in this wonderful festive event.

“The enthusiasm, creativity, and mutual respect that was shown by the young people who took part was profoundly impressive. They had put in a tremendous amount of hard work designing their stalls and creating their products, and it was wonderful to see the community come out in force to support their efforts.

“The quality and range of stalls and performers were outstanding, and I want to offer my sincere thanks once again to our local partners, East Kent Colleges Group, Harvey Waste Management, and Sheet Anchor Evolve, who helped make the day so special.”

Co-creator of The Teenage Market, Joe Barratt, said “The Festive Teenage Market in Margate was one of our most in-demand events of the year and the unique creative talents of the young people who take part never ceases to amaze me! I want to pass on my sincere thanks to Thanet District Council for the continued commitment they have shown to young people across the local area. Providing the free platform to get their businesses off the ground through The Teenage Market is a fantastic boost, and a great way to be part of a creative community.”

Image Credit: ©TDC-Paul_Rider