Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on September 10th, 2026
•Howdens, the leading trade kitchen supplier in the UK, is back with an exciting event called TradeFest: Better Than a Sale 2026. This year, the company is doing something really special by teaming up with local tradespeople to recreate famous album covers from well-known bands like The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Oasis, Nirvana, The Spice Girls, and Queen. This creative initiative is part of a campaign to celebrate tradespeople and bring the community together.
What Is TradeFest?
TradeFest is an annual event that takes place during September and October, where Howdens offers fantastic deals, events, and competitions at their depots across the UK. This year, the event promises to be bigger and better, with a chance for one lucky tradesperson to win a brand new van bundle valued at over £65,000. This bundle includes essential tools from DEWALT, as well as insurance and road tax, making it an incredible opportunity for those in the trade.
Exciting Activities and Special Guests
Throughout the TradeFest period, trade customers can visit their local Howdens depot to take advantage of amazing offers and participate in various activities. Some highlights include:
Special visits from the FIX Street team to 40 different depots.
Guest appearances from popular figures in the trade, including Charlie Manby and the Bald Builders.
Competitions that encourage participation and excitement among tradespeople.
These activities not only provide great deals but also create a lively atmosphere, making it a fun experience for everyone involved.
Recreating Iconic Album Covers
One of the most interesting aspects of this year's TradeFest is the album cover recreations. Local tradespeople have taken on the challenge of posing for photographs that mimic iconic album covers, showcasing their creativity and passion for their work. This unique approach not only highlights the importance of tradespeople but also connects with music lovers and fans of these legendary bands.
According to Austin Cooke, Managing Director at Howdens:
“TradeFest: Better than a sale is something genuinely unique to Howdens. We created it specifically for our trade customers, and the response last year was fantastic. Customers really got behind it, and there was a brilliant atmosphere across our depots.”
Celebrating the trade
Cooke further emphasised, “This year we want to build on that success and make TradeFest even more rewarding, with great deals, events, competitions and the chance to win a brand-new van – it really is the best time to buy through our depots. It’s about celebrating the trade, giving our customers even more value for their customers and creating something they can only experience at Howdens.”
How to Get Involved
Trade customers interested in participating in TradeFest can visit their local Howdens depot throughout September and October. This is a perfect chance to connect with other tradespeople, enjoy exciting events, and take advantage of exclusive offers. The atmosphere is sure to be buzzing with energy, making it an ideal time to engage with the community and explore what Howdens has to offer.
More information about TradeFest and the events happening at local depots can be found on the Howdens website. This year’s event promises to be a memorable celebration of the trade, showcasing the creativity and dedication of tradespeople across the UK.
