Thousands turn out for Wirral's second Youth Market

The outdoor market, at New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter on Saturday (May 18) featured young traders, aged 13-29 selling everything from handcrafted gifts and jewellery to gym clothing and mouth-watering food and drink.

It attracted more than 5,000 visitors.

Charlie Phillips, who sold potted plants at her stall Blossom and Green said: “This is my first ever market stall and I’ve had a great time."

The event, funded through Liverpool City Region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, built on from the success of the first Youth Market, which took place at the Cherry Tree Centre in Liscard last July.

Visitors to Wirral's second Youth Market which took place in New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter on Saturday, May 18 (Image: Wirral Council)Artist Rebecca Gee said: "It’s great to be back, I made even more sales this time” and Rahim Elzeiny from Podwala Ltd added: "We can't wait for the next one!”

Artist and young trader Rebecca Gee at Wirral's second Youth Market, which was held in New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter on Saturday, May 18 (Image: Wirral Council)El Mercado stallholder at Wirral's second Youth Market in New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter on Saturday, May 18 (Image: Wirral Council)Other traders were Tayla Made, El Mercado, Blossom & Lace, Zest of Times Bakery, The Possible Kitchen, Cosy Crochet, JTO Games & Gear, Miss Melon, Distinct Sportswear, Simply Meant to Crochet, Crochetedbyevelyn, Witchy Whimsy, Motherhooker, The Wreath Wraith Shop and Amy arr.

Charlie at her stall Blossom and Green, part of Wirral's second Youth Market, which was held in New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter on Saturday, May 18 (Image: Wirral Council) Elena Reynolds, a student from New Brighton, was presented with the ‘Stand Out Trader Award’ which was presented by the Mayor of Wirral. Elena started Miss Melon on her 13th Birthday last October when she spotted a gap in the market for quirky handmade accessories.

Stallholder at Wirral Youth Market, which was held in New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter on Saturday, May 18 (Image: Wirral Council)JTO Games and Gear at Wirral Youth Market, which was held in New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter on Saturday, May 18 (Image: Wirral Council)There was also a stage with live music, including Kayla and Ellie, Harvey and Randles from Wirral Met College, as well as established acts Marc Kenny and Helen Delamere Downey.

Singer and guitarist Helen Delamere Downey on stage during Wirral's second Youth Market, which was held in New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter on Saturday, May 18 (Image: Wirral Council)Kayla and Ellie from Wirral Met College performing at Wirral Youth Market, which was held in New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter on Saturday, May 18 (Image: Wirral Council)Local artist Kate Bigley created a life-sized live art installation and there was face-painting and twig-twisting too.

Artist Kate Bigley at work during Wirral's second Youth Market, which was held in New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter on Saturday, May 18 (Image: Wirral Council)Cllr Paul Stuart, Leader of Wirral Council, said: "So many young traders were able to take part in this latest youth market in New Brighton and it was fantastic to see so many people there supporting them, enjoying the beautiful weather and amazing location, great entertainment and of course brilliant products from our local young entrepreneurs."

A third Youth Market is planned for later this year.

Stallholder at Wirral's second Youth Market (Image: Wirral Council)Traders at Wirral’s second Youth Market on Saturday, which took place in New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter on Saturday, May 18 (Image: Wirral Council)Trader at Wirral’s second Youth Market on Saturday, which took place in New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter on Saturday, May 18 (Image: Wirral Council)

Stallholder at Wirral's second Youth Market (Image: Wirral Council)

Leader of Wirral Council, councillor Paul Stuart, enjoying Wirral's second Youth Market in New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter on Saturday, May 18 (Image: Wirral Council)

The team from Podwala Ltd at work during Wirral's second Youth Market, which was held in New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter on Saturday, May 18 (Image: Wirral Council)Stallholder at Wirral's second Youth Market (Image: Wirral Council)Last year's 'Stand Out Trader', Distinct Sportswear at Wirral's second Youth Market on Saturday, May 18 (Image: Wirral Council)