Teen Traders Cash in as Thousands Join Free Summer Events at Cornhill Market
More than 2,000 young people enjoyed free activities at Cornhill Market this summer, with teenage entrepreneurs making over £1,600 in a single day at Lincoln’s Teenage Market.
The packed programme of free entertainment attracted families from across the city. Highlights included The Zone — which provided free activities for thousands of children during the summer holidays — and the Lincoln Live music festival, which gave up-and-coming local bands and musicians the chance to perform in the heart of the city.
The most recent event – the Teenage Market on 20th September – was a resounding success, attracting over 20 young traders between the ages of 11 and 18 who collectively made over £1,600 and sold more than 400 products.
Founder of the Teenage Market Joe Barratt said the free climbing wall proved a particular hit with children.
“It was amazing to see the creative talents of young people from Lincoln and the wider area being showcased in City Square at Cornhill Market as part of our Teenage Market event,” said Joe.
“The feedback from our young traders has been really positive, with many of them commenting on the buzzing atmosphere in the square and the need to deliver more Teenage Market events to help support the development of their small businesses.
“The addition of the climbing wall in the centre of the square and performances throughout the day on our event stage really made it a day to remember. In fact, the event was so successful we’re holding a Christmas Teenage Market in Cornhill Market on 6th December, which is proving hugely popular with 15 stallholders signed up already. We look forward to working with Lincoln City Council, the Cornhill Market and wider stakeholders on this and similar events in the future.”
Local businesses that have recently joined the Cornhill community are also benefitting from the market’s growing footfall.
The market’s newest stallholder Paul Lobley from The Interior Shack said: “I’ve only been on the market for a short time, but the various events that have been held are clearly having a positive effect. It’s great to see the energy and I can certainly see the positives moving forward.”
Twenty-year-old Evie Capps, who opened her business the Spud Stop in July, added: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the response to our stall and I’m so grateful to our customers and fellow traders for their support.
“We couldn’t afford to be in the city centre if it wasn’t for the market, and the mix of events and fantastic facilities really encourages a community vibe which I know is enjoyed by many from the very young to the very old.”
Looking ahead, Cornhill Market has an exciting programme for October, with a big focus on sustainability. The Guildhall Street Takeover, hosted by Rock Retro Vintage Clothing on 18th October, will bring together local entrepreneurs, independent retailers and forward-thinking organisations to promote sustainability.
Stallholders will include:
- Rock Retro Vintage Clothing (with same-day alterations)
- Back to Mono vinyl records
- Forage & Fill
- Not Quite North
Adam Ayscough from Rock Retro Vintage Clothing said: “Visitors can expect insightful conversations, practical ideas and real examples of how sustainability drives both positive change and commercial success.
“Whether you’re a business owner, community member, or simply curious about greener practices, this is an opportunity to discover how Lincoln businesses are leading the way towards a thriving, sustainable city.”
Cornhill Market is also working closely with the University of Lincoln and Lincoln College to showcase student talent and give their art and graphic design students valuable real-world experiences.
Cllr Joshua Wells from City of Lincoln Council praised Cornhill Market’s positive impact on the city.
“Cornhill Market has played a key role in supporting many activities and events this summer,” he explained.
“It’s a place where entrepreneurs can test and grow their ideas with the benefit of a central city location. At the same time, the market provides free entertainment for families and opportunities for young people to engage with the high street as the retailers of the future.
“It’s exactly the kind of safe and inclusive space our city needs – ensuring Lincoln’s city centre remains a lively and welcoming destination for all.”
Applications are now open for young traders to take part in the Christmas Teenage Market on Saturday 6th December. To sign up please visit www.theteenagemarket.co.uk to create your trader profile and apply to take part.
Notes for editors:
About Cornhill Market
• Reopened in May 2024, the successful £8.75 million regeneration of the Grade II listed Cornhill Market was delivered with funding and support from Town Deal and Historic England.
• The project was completed with an array of project partners, including Lindum Group and the scheme designers John Roberts Architects, who together transformed the historic market into a vibrant and sustainable destination for retail, dining, and community events.
• The refurbishment not only focused on positive environmental impact but also aimed to create a vibrant public space. The City Square area, next to the Market, also benefitted from repaving which was designed to accommodate outdoor stalls, al fresco dining, and community events, enhancing the social and commercial activity in the city.
• The renovation of Lincoln’s Cornhill Market was named Regeneration and Restoration Project of the Year at the annual East Midlands Property Dinner Awards 2024.
About Towns Fund – Town Deals
• On 27 July 2019, the Prime Minister announced that the Towns Fund would support an initial 101 places across England to develop Town Deal proposals, to drive economic regeneration and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. See further details of the announcement.
• A Town Deal is an agreement in principle between Government, the Lead Council and the Town Deal Board. It will set out a vision and strategy for the town, and what each party agrees to do to achieve this vision.
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