Hailsham Street Market Returns to Blackman’s Yard this Friday

Hailsham Town Council has announced the return of its street market trials, with the first event taking place this Friday (20 March) at Blackman’s Yard.

The opening market of the new trial programme is expected to feature one of the largest collections of stalls seen in Hailsham in recent years, with a wide range of traders already confirmed to take part. The strong early response from stallholders promises a vibrant and varied marketplace as the Friday events get underway.

The markets will be held at Blackman’s Yard, located behind the Town Council offices in Market Street, with additional dates scheduled throughout the spring: 10 April, 24 April, 8 May and 22 May. Over the ten-week trial period, residents will have regular opportunities to browse a range of locally produced goods and support independent traders.

The programme has been arranged to help the Town Council evaluate whether Blackman’s Yard could serve as a long-term location for the town’s market, while also assessing the impact of holding the market on Fridays. The trial follows an earlier programme which concluded in October, when visitor numbers, trader feedback and community engagement were reviewed.

Previously held on Saturdays at Vicarage Field, the market moved to Blackman’s Yard last summer. As a Council-owned venue, the site offers greater flexibility for stallholders and fewer operational restrictions, allowing a wider selection of products to be offered.

Recent markets have featured locally sourced produce, artisan food and drink, handmade crafts, clothing and a variety of specialist items.

Traders attending this Friday’s market:

• Mini Mouthfuls (Sweet treats)

• Practical Birdhouses (Birdboxes)

• Tropic Skincare (Skincare and make-up products)

• Falafel Box (Falafels)

• Debbie’s Crafty Creations (Gifts)

• La Maison de Valerie (Home decor products)

• LAW Designs (Handcrafted jewellery)

• She Sells Sea Shells (Fossils and gemstones)

Community groups and charities attending the markets include:

• Hailsham Lions
• Seaside Community Hub
• RSPB

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.”