YOUNG entrepreneurs across Wirral will have the chance to showcase their products at the borough's third Youth Market later this year.

Taking place at Birkenhead Market’s Event Space on Saturday, December 7, it is open to anybody aged 16-29 who has a product or service to sell and wants to have a free pitch at the market.

With the festive period due to be in full swing, the event promises to be 'a destination for both Christmas shopping as well as family-focused entertainment'.

The event will feature live music and performances, children’s fairground rides to immersive street art and children’s workshops. There may also be a visit from Father Christmas.

According to Wirral Council, previous Youth Markets at the Cherry Tree Centre in Liscard and New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter attracted more than 3,500 and 5,000 visitors respectively.

Councillor Tony Jones, chair of the authority's economy, regeneration and housing committee, said: "Taking place in the run up to Christmas, this event is a fantastic way for young people to launch or raise the profile of their business during the busy festive shopping period.

"The two previous events in Liscard and New Brighton attracted over 8,500 visitors between them, and one young trader who launched their business at the first event has gone on to be nominated for a national award – so this really is an opportunity not to be missed for anyone who wants to test their idea out with potential new customers.

“Bringing the next event to Birkenhead Market’s covered event space will also give young people the chance to build experience alongside established traders.

"Now that applications are officially open, I hope as many young people as possible will be able to use this platform to kickstart their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.”

The Youth Market is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through the city region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation. 

Councillor Mike Wharton, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's cabinet member for business, investment and trade, said: "This is the perfect opportunity for Wirral’s young entrepreneurs to set their stall out and show off their products.

"As well as supporting young people to develop their businesses it will also be a great day out where visitors can find all manner of unique present ideas in the run up to Christmas".

The Youth Market is open to traders will all levels of experience, from people wanting to test the water with a new product idea to those who have already started to build established businesses. Previous events have attracted a wide range of traders, from those selling crafts, art and design to clothing and accessories, as well as street food and delicious bakes.

Several young entrepreneurs have seen their businesses springboard forward thanks to Youth Market. Wallasey-born Harrison Hindley and Dom Ward, who run eco-friendly brand Distinct Sportswear, were named ‘Stand Out Traders’ at the Liscard event.

Harrison said: "The Youth Market provided, and continues to provide, great exposure of our brand to the local community.

"The last event in New Brighton resulted in our highest sales in a single day to date, and the online views from our website continued to grow weeks after the event.”

Harrison said: "If you are a young entrepreneur you need to sign up to the Wirral Youth Market. The difference it has made for our brand is massive. It really helps get yourself out there and enables you to connect with so many like-minded individuals.”

The Youth Market takes place on Saturday, December December 7 from 12 noon – 5pm. To apply, please visit our website and complete the application form.