What Is The New Traders Market Event In Castleford And How Can You Get A Stall?

Have you ever walked through a bustling market and thought, "I could do that"? Maybe it's a secret recipe for brownies, a knack for creating beautiful jewellery, or a talent for painting that's just been a hobby until now. Well, for anyone in and around the Wakefield district with a brilliant idea, there's some seriously good news. A brand-new event is coming to Castleford Indoor Market, and it's designed specifically for people with a side-venture or a small business dream.

It's a chance to dip a toe in the water without having to dive in at the deep end. Starting this autumn, the New Traders Market will offer a fantastic platform for fresh talent to showcase their stuff. This isn't just another market; it's a launchpad. It's for the bakers, the makers, the creators, and anyone who has ever wanted to sell their wares directly to the public. The event aims to bring a new energy to the existing market, mixing brand-new stalls with the familiar favourites the community already loves.

What's the big idea in Castleford?

So, what's this all about, then? Essentially, Wakefield Council is rolling out the welcome mat for new business talent. The New Traders Market is an event designed to fire up local enterprise and give people a proper chance to get their ideas off the ground. It's about creating a space where creativity can flourish and where the local community can discover unique products right on their doorstep. This isn't just about shopping; it's about supporting the economic growth of the whole district by championing small, independent traders.

The first event kicks off on Saturday 25 October 2025, running from 9am to 3pm at Castleford Indoor Market. It's set to be a brilliant day out, filled with fresh ideas and passionate people. The initiative is a key part of a wider effort to boost the local economy and encourage entrepreneurship. By providing a low-cost, supportive environment, the council hopes to unearth the next big thing to come out of Wakefield. Cllr Jack Hemingway, Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, shared his enthusiasm for the project. He said:

"We're excited to welcome new traders to Castleford Market. This event is all about celebrating local enterprise, encouraging entrepreneurship, and creating a brilliant day out for the community. We hope to see plenty of people coming along to support them."

It's clear that this is more than just a market; it's a community-building exercise.

A chance for budding entrepreneurs

Starting a business can feel like a massive leap of faith. There are so many questions. Will people like my products? How do I find customers? Where do I even begin? That's where these market events come in. They provide an invaluable platform for small businesses to build confidence and connect directly with their customers. Think of it as a friendly testing ground. It's an opportunity to get real-time feedback, see what sells, and start building a loyal following without the pressure of a permanent shop. Many of today's most successful businesses started with a single stall at a local market.

These events help new traders take that crucial first step. It's a chance to turn a passion project or a side-venture into something more. The market provides a space to learn, grow, and see if a business idea has legs. This is entrepreneurship in its purest form-taking a risk, putting yourself out there, and seeing what happens. Plus, there's a special focus on encouraging young traders, with the events open to anyone aged 16 to 30 who wants to give it a go. It's a brilliant way to nurture the next generation of business owners.

What can you find at the market?

For visitors, the New Traders Market is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. It's a chance to step away from the usual high-street chains and find something truly original. Shoppers can expect a vibrant mix of stalls, sitting alongside the high-quality offer that already exists at Castleford Indoor Market. The focus is on variety and quality, with a brilliant array of products on offer. Imagine wandering through the market and finding unique handmade goods, from bespoke silver rings to hand-poured scented candles. There will be delicious food to sample, perhaps from a local baker who has perfected their sourdough recipe or someone selling artisan chutneys.

Fashion lovers might discover a stall with one-of-a-kind, upcycled jackets or screen-printed t-shirts, while art enthusiasts could find the perfect print for their living room wall, created by a local artist. The whole point of the event is to celebrate creativity in all its forms, offering a mix of art, fashion, food, and so much more. Each stall will have a story behind it, and every purchase supports a local person's dream.

How to get your own stall

Does this sound like something you'd want to be a part of? If you're a new trader looking to trade in the Wakefield district for the first time, getting a spot is straightforward. The council wants to make it as easy as possible for people to get involved. The whole process is designed to be accessible, especially for those who are just starting out and might not have much experience or money to invest.

To apply for a stall, aspiring traders just need to send an email to letstalkmarkets@wakefield.gov.uk with the subject line 'NTM EVENT'. It's as simple as that. And here's the best bit: successful applicants will be given a free gazebo and table for the event. This is a huge help, as it removes one of the biggest initial costs and hurdles for new traders. It means people can focus on what they do best-creating and selling their amazing products-without worrying about the logistics of setting up their stall. This fantastic offer shows how committed the organisers are to supporting new local enterprise.

Mark your calendar with these dates

These new events are not just a one-off. Wakefield Council has planned a series of market days, giving traders and customers plenty of opportunities to get involved. This allows new traders to build momentum and gives the community regular chances to support local talent. It's worth getting these dates in the diary now, whether you're thinking of running a stall or just fancy a brilliant day out shopping. Here are the upcoming New Traders Market dates:

• Saturday 25 October 2025
• Saturday 22 November 2025
• Saturday 31 January 2026
• Saturday 28 February 2026
• Saturday 28 March 2026

Each market event promises a unique atmosphere and a chance to find something new. So, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur ready to take the next step or a shopper on the hunt for something special, the New Traders Market in Castleford is the place to be.