Wirral Youth Market’s first visit to West Kirby has been hailed a great success, with a record number of visitors generating bumper sales for the young traders who took part.
An estimated 10,000 people took advantage of the warm Bank Holiday weather on Saturday 23 August to enjoy the lively market atmosphere, which included 45 stalls selling everything from crocheted crafts to a jet-washing service, and authentic empanadas to handmade jewellery.
There was also a full programme of live music by emerging young artists and free family activities throughout the day.
The Deputy Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Julie McManus, said: “Local people have really got behind Wirral’s Youth Markets since the first was held in Liscard just over two years ago.
“Saturday’s event in West Kirby broke our previous records for attendance and the number of young entrepreneurs taking part, making Wirral’s among the biggest and most successful in the whole country.
“Some of the artisan crafts were fabulous and I could not resist some of the jewellery and artwork on offer and the stories our young people shared with me of how they have developed their businesses sometimes with difficult hurdles along the way.
“It is really inspiring to see the next generation of businesses flourish in front of us.”
Cllr McManus added: “Markets have provided the perfect incubator for countless new businesses, helping to establish many that have gone on to become household names, including, M&S, Morrisons, Superdry, TESCO, Barbour, and Home Bargains.
“With so much talent, energy and innovation on display on Saturday, I am confident we will see much more of many of those who took part.”
Wirral’s Youth Markets are funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through the city region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation.
