Hailsham Street Market Set for a Vibrant Return at Blackman’s Yard on 20th March

The Town Council is excited to announce a strong line-up of traders for the return of Hailsham Street Market in Blackman’s Yard, with the first trial event on Friday 20 March expected to be, in terms of the number of stalls, one of the largest the town has seen in recent years. Early interest from traders promises a lively and diverse market, marking a bright start to the new Friday programme.

The trial markets will take place at Blackmans Yard, behind the Town Council offices in Market Street, with additional dates scheduled throughout the spring. Over the ten-week trial period, residents will have regular opportunities to shop locally and support independent traders.

The trial programme has been designed to allow the Town Council to assess the long-term suitability of Blackmans Yard as a permanent market location, as well as the impact of Friday trading on footfall and trader participation. This builds on an earlier trial programme that concluded in October, during which visitor numbers, trader feedback and community engagement were carefully reviewed.

Previously held on Saturdays at Vicarage Field, the market relocated to Blackmans Yard last summer. This Council-owned venue provides greater flexibility for stallholders, fewer restrictions, and the ability to offer a broader range of products. Recent markets have showcased locally sourced produce, artisan food and drink, handmade crafts, clothing and specialist goods.

Confirmed trial dates:

• Friday 20th March

• Friday 10th April

• Friday 24th April

• Friday 8th May

• Friday 22nd May

Traders confirmed for one or more of the trial markets include:

• Mini Mouthfuls (Sweet treats | 20th March)

• Practical Birdboxes (Birdboxes | All trial markets)

• Tropic Skincare (Skincare and make-up products | 20th March, 10th April, 24th April, 22nd May)

• Falafel Box (Falafels | All trial markets)

• Debbie’s Crafty Creations (Gifts | All trial markets)

• La Maison de Valerie (Home decor products | All trial markets)

• LAW Designs (Handcrafted jewellery | All trial markets)

• She Sells Sea Shells (Fossils and gemstones | All trial markets)

• P&S – Personalised & Sassy (Home decor products | 10th April, 24th April, 8th May, 22nd May)

• Forever Living Company (Aloe vera products | 10th April, 24th April, 8th May, 22nd May)

Community groups and charities attending the markets include:

• Hailsham Lions (All trial markets)
• Seaside Community Hub (All trial markets)
• RSPB (20th March, 10th April, 8th May, 22nd May)

Councillor Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Communities Committee, said: “We’re thrilled with the level of trader interest ahead of the first Friday market, which promises to be one of the largest we’ve hosted in many years. We encourage residents to mark their diaries and come along to support local traders.”

“The previous trial gave us valuable insights into how Blackmans Yard works as a market space. This next phase will build on that experience, allow us to gather more feedback and help guide decisions about the market’s future.”