A scorcher of a day with temperatures reaching nearly 37 degrees at the tenth YTM regional final hosted by West Suffolk Council at Bury St Edmunds Market. The market showcased an extra twenty-five young traders, making the normally busy market even livelier. These traders maximised the space on the Market Square and the Buttermarket, creating a lively atmosphere amidst the very hot weather. For the first time during the 2026 campaign, flowers, plants and olives trees spanning ten feet were showcased alongside a marvellous American airstream tourer selling Philly Cheesesteaks. The general retail section for the first time was larger than the arts and crafts category and we saw a selection of great groceries with olives, baklava, cakes, bakes and sweets. Two under 16 year old's joined us for the day which resulted in ten traders being put through to the national final.
Wednesday is market day in Bury St Edmunds and what is a normally busy market become busier with an extra twenty five young traders who maximised the space on the market Square, and Buttermarket.
East of England Trader of the Year 2026
Skye Alefounder – Country House Treats
People's Choice Winner
Elise Cakebread – Cakebread Delights
Pictured with Mike Riley – NMTF President
Arts & Crafts Winner
Megan Smylie Page – mspwildlifeart
Pictured with Mike Riley – NMTF President, Cllr Cliff Waterman – Leader of West Suffolk Council, Dorcas Sukami – Growth Officer West Suffolk Council
Arts & Crafts Highly Commended
Elise Parker – Scribbles by Floss
Pictured with Mike Riley – NMTF President, Cllr Cliff Waterman – Leader of West Suffolk Council, Dorcas Sukami – Growth Officer West Suffolk Council
Arts & Crafts Highly Commended
Sapphire Grant – Alfresco Potter Ltd
General Retail Winner
Skye Alefounder – Country House Treats
Pictured with Mike Riley – NMTF President
General Retail Highly Commended
Georgiana Bogatu – Scent & Bloom Collection
Pictured with Mike Riley – NMTF President
General Retail Highly Commended
George Cox – Sudbury plants
Grocery Winner
Sarah Griffin – Garden to Jar
Pictured with Mike Riley – NMTF President, Cllr Cliff Waterman – Leader of West Suffolk Council, Dorcas Sukami – Growth Officer West Suffolk Council
Grocery Highly Commended
Elise Cakebread – Cakebread Delights
Pictured with Mike Riley – NMTF President, Cllr Cliff Waterman – Leader of West Suffolk Council, Dorcas Sukami – Growth Officer West Suffolk Council
Food & Drink Winner
Shaun Bailey – Baileys catering
Pictured with Mike Riley – NMTF President
Food & Drink Highly Commended
Lydia Kerr – Greys Coffee
Pictured with Mike Riley – NMTF President
Judges
Cllr Cliff Waterman – Leader of West Suffolk Council
Dorcas Sukami – Growth Officer West Suffolk Council