BGU Lincoln Teenage Market continues to go from strength to strength

written by Jo Tolley – BGU Graduate

This July saw the ninth Lincoln Teenage Market held by Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), in conjunction with Bailgate Area Guild and Lincoln BIG as part of Uphill Lincoln Week.

BGU became involved with the Market in 2016 to create enterprising opportunities for the town’s future generation. This gives budding traders, business owners and performers the chance to trial their entrepreneurial ideas in a realistic and supportive environment. In turn, it also enables the public to engage with the University, and Lincoln as a whole, in an authentic way.

Over time, the number of entrepreneurs attending the events has expanded to form a community of like-minded and successful individuals, who have similar aspirations for a variety of reasons.

A prime example of the entrepreneurial spirit promoted by the Market are Sun and Moon Creations, who craft unique and colourful tie-die clothing, tapestries, and jewellery for the event. They revealed how the Market has helped the business thrive and connect with others:

“They are all super helpful and always offer to give some guidance. The vibe that is generated from all these young people aspiring to become independent is really inspiring”

The latest Market located in Castle Square was a roaring success. On a glorious summer’s day a wide range of stall holders sold everything from bath soaps to vintage film collectables, meaning there was something for everyone. Combine this with some outstanding live performances, the event triumphantly showcased what Lincoln has to offer.

Lovely Lavender, a regular stall found at the Lincoln Market, sold out of most items within the first hour of trading. Jenny Dennis the entrepreneur behind the business makes soaps from the lavender which is grown in her own garden:

“It’s great when I do well at any market. This setting is perfect for trading as there’s loads of people and kids on school trips passing through. I’m really pleased with how it’s gone”

The Teenage Market was originally set up in 2012 by Joe and Tom Barratt who saw a gap in the Market Trading industry of Stockport. The initiative has since injected energy, diversity and vibrancy into thirty city centres across the UK; giving young entrepreneurs and performers a free platform to practice and demonstrate their creative talents.

Lincoln is a thriving hotspot of contemporary and historic culture, with a well-established trading network and an increasing population of young people. It’s no surprise that The Teenage Market found its way to the city to contribute to its development as well as its beloved traditions.

If you’d like to find out more about the Lincoln Teenage Market or perhaps get involved as a trader or performer at the next event, please contact the Teenage Market team at: teenagemarket@bishopg.ac.uk. You can also follow Lincoln Teenage Market on Facebook.