New youth market for Geraldton creatives aged 10-26 created by council youth team in Rocks Laneway

Day in the Laneway may sound like a music festival, but even though it’s not, it’s still a creative venture centred around youth. The City of Greater Geraldton has put the call out for young creatives to get involved in the first-of-its kind youth market in April. Those interested are urged to submit an expression of interest, with their participation in these markets possibly paving the way for them to begin or boost their small business. The City’s youth team has created an avenue for young stallholders to showcase goods and services at a new youth market at Rocks Laneway on Saturday, April 15. The Day in the Laneway markets will coincide with Youth Week and give youth aged between 10 and 26 a space to promote and sell their goods. An expression of interest form can be submitted until Wednesday, March 22, which is available on the city’s website. Creator Lee Nelson thought of the idea when she was at Perth’s youth market and hoped people around Geraldton would take advantage of the day. “I thought it would be good to bring it back to Geraldton and give youth more opportunity to sell their art work because all their talent has been hidden,” she said. “It brings youth together.” “It’s inclusive, anyone can join and hopefully they have lots of fun.” City of Greater Geraldton youth development officer Lydia Young said the Day in the Laneway market would offer youth who may still be trialling their creativity at home or school more opportunity to start a business or sell home-made goods. “Obviously we have other markets in town ... but we feel by having a youth-specific market, it makes it safer for those young people who might want to have a go,” she said. Stall holders will be stationed along Rocks Laneway, spilling out on to Marine Terrace and along Post Office Lane. Live music, entertainment and food trucks will be available, as well as creative workshops and a clothes swap event.