The search is on for the Young Market Trader of the Year 2026, with the local heat of the national Young Traders Market competition set to return to Horsham town centre for another year on Sunday 28 June.
Whether you are new to market trading or are an existing trader aged 16-30 years, you can apply now for this exciting competition. It is just £10 to enter with a gazebo and table provided. Traders must be under the age of 31 on 26 August 2026 to be eligible to enter.
Horsham’s Young Traders Market will take place on West Street, organised by local market operator Coden Events in association with the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) and supported by Horsham District Council.
Alongside this vibrant local event, West Street will also be hosting its regular monthly Arts and Crafts Market to add to a lively trading atmosphere and Horsham’s Carfax will be holding a celebratory event for Armed Forces Day, set to bring lots of visitor to the town centre.
Following the local heat, the competition winner will have the sought after opportunity to progress to the London and Southeast Regional Final, with the goal of reaching the National Final and the chance to win Young Trader of the Year.
Horsham District Council Director of Place, Barbara Childs, said: "I am delighted that we are hosting the local heat of the National Young Traders Market competition again this year.
If you are a young entrepreneur testing market trading for the first time or already have experience, this is a great opportunity to grow and publicise your business.
“We have had fantastic young talent taking part in previous years, and I look forward to seeing all those who get involved this year.”
Are you aged 16-30 and interested in taking part in the Horsham Young Traders Market? Find out more and sign up on the Coden Events website.
The NMTF Market is just one element of an ongoing campaign by Horsham District Council to support local market trading across the District. Anyone thinking of trading on a local market can find lots of helpful resources on the Council website and on the day of the event there will be a ‘drop-in’ stall providing advice and information in person.