Young traders to take over Leeds Kirkgate Market

Taking place tomorrow (Wednesday, August 1) The Yorkshire Youth Market gathers together 40 traders aged between 16 and 30.

The event is run by the National Market Traders’ Federation (NMTF), the only national trade association for market and street traders in the UK, and is hosted by Leeds City Council.

In May and June, the NMTF supported local authorities across Yorkshire to run a series of youth markets, providing opportunities to young people to gain experience in trading.

The best traders on these local youth markets have been nominated to represent their local areas at the Yorkshire Youth Market, battling it out for a series of industry accolades.

There will be representatives from Barnsley, Bradford, Doncaster, Kirklees, Leeds, , Sheffield, and York – as well as a few wildcards thrown into the mix.

Live music from local performers will be played throughout the day and there will be plenty of family-friendly activities, such as free arts and crafts and trails around the market.

Joe Harrison, chief executive of the NMTF, said: “The event is a real demonstration of the potential of the region’s markets to support young entrepreneurs to test, grow, and launch a lean business.

“Yorkshire is leading the way in the UK – this event is the first of its kind in the country.

“Market operators have come together to support young traders with enthusiasm and professionalism.”

The event runs from 10am to 4pm.