Young entrepreneurs will take over Durham Market Place on Monday 25 May 2026, as the city hosts a heat of the national Young Traders Market competition. The event, which runs from 10am to 4pm, offers traders aged 16 to 30 a chance to showcase their business ventures in a historic setting.
Organised by the National Market Traders Federation, the competition aims to support the next generation of business owners. Participants at the Durham event will be judged on their creativity, branding, innovation, and sales skills. Those who stand out during the day will earn a place in the regional final in Newcastle, which takes place on 13 June 2026.
Successful traders from the regional stage will progress to the national final held in Stratford-upon-Avon over the August bank holiday weekend. At the national level, participants compete for the title of Young Trader of the Year and a £500 cash prize. This competition continues a tradition of commerce in the city, where markets have been held at the site since the 12th century.
The event is hosted by the Durham Markets Company, which has operated the market place since its establishment by an Act of Parliament in 1851. Young entrepreneurs interested in taking part can register through the official website provided by Durham Markets.
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