Chelmsford Market supports young traders with pop up event

Young entrepreneurs will be selling their wares at Chelmsford’s indoor market this weekend, as part of Young Traders Market 2026.

10 would-be market traders will be popping up in Market Square, as Chelmsford Market welcomes back the National Market Traders' Federation (NMTF) initiative, which provides a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative products and ideas.

A warm welcome back to Young Traders Market 

Chelmsford Market first hosted Young Traders Market participants in 2025. This year, the market is playing a larger role in the national competition, hosting three events in total and therefore crowning three rounds of winners and runners-up, who will each progress to the Young Traders Market regional final at Greenwich Market in July 2026. 

Chelmsford’s Young Traders Market 2025 winners.

Chelmsford’s Young Traders Market 2025 winners.

Chelmsford’s Young Traders Market 2025 winners.

The first of this year’s events took place in March, the next is this Saturday, 25 April, with another scheduled for Saturday 23 May. A team of judges will be assessing the young traders on their customer service, marketing and brand presence and, of course, their product offering. This year’s judging panel is made up of Ryan Mitchell from Chelmsford For You, Richard Shwe from Chelmsford Market’s much-loved butcher stall, GC Smith Butcher's, and Pauline Rider, who manages Chelmsford’s indoor and high street markets.

Pauline says the market is happy to provide an opportunity to young people who are interested in entering the world of market trading:

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“We’re delighted to be hosting the Young Traders Market again this year and I’m looking forward seeing what this weekend’s participants have to offer! Last month’s stalls were fantastic and I’m sure this event will be just as varied and exciting.

“The Young Traders Market offers a real insight into market trading for these young businesspeople and Chelmsford Market is happy to be a part of it. We’ve had a great response from participants, with April and May’s events both fully booked, and we’re sure that Chelmsford’s shoppers will love the newness of the pop-ups, too!”

Pauline Rider, Chelmsford Markets & Shopmobility Manager, Chelmsford City Council

Supporting the future of market trading

NMTF recognises that young market traders are pivotal to the industry, bringing new ideas and revitalising markets across the UK. Its Young Traders Market events are dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs and the future of market trading.

Chelmsford Market provides each young trader with a free pitch and stall for the day, covering their insurance, too, providing invaluable experience and exposure. These pop ups are a great opportunity for participants to learn what goes into running a market stall, practice their customer service skills, test new products and, for those already trading online, interact with customers directly.

Lyra’s Jewellery and Streets of Lily, both with Pauline Rider, at Young Traders Market in March.

What to expect from April’s Young Traders Market

On Saturday 25 April, ten pop up stalls will be open and hoping for your custom in Market Square. Here are the young businesses taking part:

• Abby’s Art Artillery returns, having taken part in March’s event, with her handmade jewellery.
• Alex Pinney offers a selection of Thai teas.
• Bethany Chesher Art brings handmade jewellery and gifts, as well as painted stones and art.
• Streets of Lily will be selling bleach tees and accessories.
• Garchomp Collectables is your stop for Pokémon cards – bought, sold and traded.
• Lyra’s Jewellery is back again after her success in March, with handmade jewellery.
• Revifica, a Young Enterprise student company specialising in handmade jewellery, will be showcasing their offering, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and phone charms.
• Sydney Newton will be selling cupcakes.
• Taroball Studios offers anime art prints and accessories, along with a small selection of baked goods.
• The Ribbon Dairy, also a Young Enterprise student company, who were recently named Essex Company of the Year 2026, will be selling handmade scrunchies.

Please do come by and show your support to these young entrepreneurs, and Chelmsford Indoor Market, open from 8.30am on Saturday 25 April.

How to apply for Young Traders Market 2026

Chelmsford’s Young Traders Markets are all at capacity for 2026, but if you are under 31 years old and would like to take part in the NMTF initiative, there are other markets across the UK with spaces available! Just head to the NMTF’s website to find out more and sign up.

Once the first round of events is complete, winners and runners up will take part in the London and Southeast Regional final at Greenwich Market on 18 July, with the chance to make it to the national final being held in August.

Visit www.nmtf.co.uk to find out more about NMTF and the Young Traders Market initiative.