The Teenage Market: celebrating enterprise, creativity, and community

Pierremont Hall in Broadstairs hosted Thanet’s fourth Teenage Market on Saturday 20 September 2025. The event has gone from strength to strength. In all, 58 young people took part, making the day a huge success.  

A wide range of imaginative products was up for grabs across 31 stalls. On offer were printed t-shirts, jewellery, hand crocheted and 3D printed gifts, original artwork and more. For the first time, visitors could treat themselves to home-baked cakes and seasonal sweets including toffee apples. There were healthy treats for dogs and even guinea pigs.

Sales on the day topped £4,000 as participants put their creative and budding business skills to good use. The biggest win was the sense of mutual support and encouragement from the young people involved, who ranged in age from 8 to 24. 

Alongside the stalls, eighteen young performers entertained audiences with a variety of solo and group performances throughout the day. A particular highlight was the generosity of performer Cheyenne, part of the Teenage Markets since the first event in July 2024. Scheduled to perform twice, she gave up her second slot to another young person who made a late request to perform. 

Bob Porter, Director of Place at Thanet District Council, said: “The Teenage Market is more than just a showcase, it’s a learning experience that starts weeks before the market day. The council hosted a workshop on stall layout, marketing, pricing, and payment methods. Performers received guidance from a music agent and industry coach who gave them tips on securing paid gigs and navigating the business side of the industry.

“Heavy rain in the morning did nothing to dampen spirits; the atmosphere was nothing short of inspiring. Many of the sellers visited each other’s stalls, offering support and celebrating one another’s efforts. 

“Thank you to all of the partners, especially to Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council which provided Pierremont Hall and grounds as the market venue.”

The Teenage Market is funded and hosted by Thanet District Council as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Funding, with support from East Kent Colleges Group, Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council and Harvey Waste Management. 

This latest market in Broadstairs builds on the success of three previous Teenage Market events, held in Margate and Ramsgate earlier this year and in 2024. There is one further Festive Teenage Market planned for 2025, at The Centre in Margate on Saturday 29 November. Further information is available on the website. 

The Teenage Market is a platform for young people to show their creative talents, connect with the community and develop their entrepreneurial and business skills. It is a national initiative set up to champion the next generation of market traders. Further information is available on The Teenage Market website.