Registration for the third Youth Market Llandrindod is open and is seeking applications from industrious under 25s in Powys who want to be part of a lively, fun and supportive day of trading and performances on Easter Saturday in the Coop Alley in Llandrindod Wells.
If you know anyone who is aged between 11 and 25 and based in Powys then they can be part of the fun by running a stall at this community focused and family friendly event.
The Easter extravaganza is a chance to try out any idea they have had for a business, or simply sell their craft, skills and services. Youth Market Traders do not need any experience as the Youth Market is designed to help young people ‘give it a go’, make new friends, have a good day out and earn some money. There is no charge for a pitch, so all they need to do is come up with an idea and register in order to secure their place.
There is also space for budding young performers to hit the stage and share their talent with the people of Llandrindod and the surrounding area. If you know anyone aged 11 to 25 who is in a band, sings in a group or could even showcase their skills with a violin, then the performance stage is for them.
The Youth Market project was launched in 2015 by Jude Boutle, Llandrindod’s Town Champion, to open doors for young people in the town and to give people yet another reason to visit Llandrindod and support local shops. The idea quickly gained traction with local organisations and individuals, particularly appealing to the under 25s who created, gathered and curated items to sell at the very first Youth Market which was held in September 2015 and opened by Kirsty Williams AM.
At the past two markets, stalls holders have included Rhys Gough, 13, and Felicity Bulbulia, 14, selling popcorn, Ben Williams, 14, who uses the opportunity to advertise his ‘Helicopter Disco Service’, Amy Price, 23, who had sold out of her knitted items by the end of trading and Rhys Perkins (15) whose customer base for his gardening business has increased hugely through his success at Youth Market.
This time, the reins have been held by a committee of under 25s, who have held meetings, discussed ideas, managed the website, booked equipment and created plans for the third Youth Market this Easter, with support from a small team of volunteers. The Easter Market looks set to be a real treat for the senses, with involvement from even more young people from Llandrindod and the surrounding areas, as well as local groups such as the Youth Club.
Jude Boutle, Llandrindod Town Champion said: “We knew it could be popular to give young people a platform to run their own business for a day in Llandrindod. The town is so community focused, with a good array of independent shops, but no real opportunity for young people to start something new. We wanted to help them create something that they could run, manage and maintain themselves and this third market is a huge step in an exciting direction.”
Ben Williams, 14, member of the Youth Market Committee also said: “I knew I wanted to be part of the Youth Market from the first moment I heard about it, I love getting involved in projects that benefit the community and this was a real chance to not only take part but to try my hand a running a market stall! It was brilliant fun and the atmosphere on the day was amazing, with loads of young people and everyone coming to have a look! I’m really proud to be involved in running this third Youth Market and we’ve already got plans for more.”
If you know anyone who would like to get involved or would like to find out more information visit the Youth Market website www.YouthMarket.org.uk or send an email to [email protected] to receive a registration pack.
The number of stalls and performance spaces is limited.