On Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd August 2025, Barnsley Market will host the NMTF’s Yorkshire Young Trader Market Regional Final.

The Young Traders Market Campaign is a nationwide initiative aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs to establish themselves in the retail sector utilising our treasured markets as a foundation for their success.

Local heats will take place right across Yorkshire, providing young traders a chance to secure a spot in the regional final.

As Barnsley is home to the headquarters of the NMTF and has one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious markets dating back to 1249, this year’s regional final will be held in the town centre and will span two days to coincide with Yorkshire Day.

Taking place in The Glass Works square, this event is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the remarkable attributes of Yorkshire’s young entrepreneurs by highlighting their talents. The regional final will showcase an impressive array of young traders demonstrating their skills, each hoping to represent Yorkshire at the National Final in Stratford-upon-Avon at the end of August.

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture at Barnsley Council, said: “We are delighted to host this year’s NMTF Yorkshire Young Trader Market Regional Final at The Glass Works. Markets have been an integral part of our town’s history for over 775 years, and we are proud to have Barnsley Market at the very heart of our town centre.

“We recognise the significance of safeguarding markets for the future and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of market traders and entrepreneurs to Barnsley from right across the region.”

Joe Harrison, CEO of NMTF, said: “We have an incredible asset in our retail markets which are the backbone of so many market towns and cities bringing life and vibrancy to our town and cities high streets.

“They are such an important part of our history and heritage, but don’t always get the recognition and investment they deserve.”