The multi-award-winning Warrington Market will once again host the annual event at Time Square, with 40 young business owners, aged 16 to 30, showcasing everything from specialist street food and artisan drinks to art and design, homewares, fashion, and even items for your pets.
There will be live music throughout the day, featuring some of the best up and coming talent, curated by local promoter, Lee Harman, of Warrington Music.
Now in its 14th year, the Young Traders Market is a national competition run by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) across 40 towns and cities. Previous winners have included Warrington Market’s own, Rob Leicester, from Warrington Fruit and Veg.
A judging panel will shortlist the best young traders on the day to represent Warrington in their respective categories at a regional North West heat in Bolton, with one overall winner crowned, ‘Warrington Young Trader of the Year’. If successful at the regional heat, traders will then move through to the national final in Stratford Upon-Avon later this year.
Rob, a former Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School pupil and judge in this year’s competition, said: “It’s great to see so many young business owners like myself trying to make it on their own. The competition really helped to build my confidence and it’s a great opportunity for everyone involved.
“Supporting the next generation of traders is essential in helping markets to prosper in to the future and I’m proud Warrington is being proactive in helping to achieve this.”
Cllr Tom Jennings, cabinet member for economic development and innovation, will be returning as a judge this year. He said: "The Young Traders Market is a fantastic initiative that puts talented, entrepreneurial young people in the spotlight to showcase their ideas, creativity and business skills.
“It’s a great way to support the next generation of business owners in Warrington, so come along to enjoy all kinds of high-quality products and services, alongside live music from talented young performers.”
For more information, visit Warrington Market’s social media channels @warringtonmkt, visit the market's webpage, or email markets@warrington.gov.uk.
