Derby Young Traders Market

The Young Traders Market campaign, delivered by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF), is a national initiative designed to support and inspire the next generation of market traders.

The campaign is open to young people aged 16–30, providing them with a platform to showcase their products, gain real trading experience, and develop valuable business skills in a supportive market environment. While the core programme is aimed at this age group, we also warmly welcome traders under 16. Although they won’t be formally judged, the campaign is very much about encouragement, confidence-building, and giving young people a positive first experience of market trading.

The structure of the campaign begins at a local level. By attending a local Young Traders Market in Derby, you are given an opportunity to take your first step in the campaign. Successful traders from this event can then progress to the regional final for the Derby and East Midlands area, which will be held at Harborough Market.

From there, top traders have the chance to advance to the national final in Stratford-upon-Avon. This prestigious event takes place on the Waterside over the bank holiday weekend and attracts an expected footfall of around 40,000 visitors, offering an incredible opportunity for young traders to showcase their businesses to a large and diverse audience.

Overall, the YTM campaign is about much more than campaign - it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, and ensuring the future of our markets by investing in young talent.

Trade at our Young Traders Market 

Interested about having a stall at our event and taking part in the competition? Apply for a stall for the day on Eventaly with some details about you and your business (stall hire costs £15).