The final Hailsham Street Market of the 2026 season brought traders, shoppers and visitors together in Vicarage Field on Friday [25 September], attracting a steady flow of shoppers throughout the morning.
Since returning to its traditional town-centre location earlier this year, Hailsham Street Market has welcomed a diverse selection of local businesses, independent traders, artisan producers and makers. Across the season, visitors have been able to browse a wide range of products, including locally produced food, freshly baked goods, flowers, jewellery, clothing, gifts, handmade crafts and homeware.
The decision to return the market to Vicarage Field followed feedback from traders, residents and visitors. The Town Council subsequently established the event as a regular monthly market, taking place on the last Friday of each month from March to September.
The monthly markets have provided a regular opportunity for people to shop locally, discover independent businesses and enjoy the atmosphere of the town centre, while also helping to complement existing High Street businesses.
The Chair of the Town Council’s Communities Committee, Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts, said: “It was fantastic to see such a positive response to the final Hailsham Street Market of the season. Bringing the market back to Vicarage Field has helped create a regular event in the heart of the town and it has been particularly encouraging to see residents and visitors supporting the traders throughout the year.”
“The market has offered something different each month, with a great variety of local businesses, independent traders, producers and makers taking part. It has also provided an opportunity for people to meet, browse the stalls, support local businesses and spend time in the town centre.”
“I would like to thank all of the traders who have supported the market during its first season back at Vicarage Field, as well as everyone who has visited and helped make the events such a success. We are looking forward to welcoming the market back next year.”
Operations and Facilities Officer Tony Lee added: “The final market has been a great way to round off the 2026 season. There has been a strong variety of traders throughout the year and we have been pleased to see the market establish itself again at Vicarage Field.”
“A regular market involves a great deal of planning and preparation behind the scenes, and I would like to thank everyone involved in helping the events run smoothly. Although the regular market season has now finished, we still have another market to look forward to as part of the Christmas Lights Switch-On in November.”
“We are also already looking ahead to next year and preparing for the return of the regular Hailsham Street Market in March.”
Although the regular monthly market season has now come to an end, shoppers will have another opportunity to support local traders at this year’s Hailsham Christmas Lights Switch-On on Friday 27 November.
The festive event, taking place from 1pm to 7pm in Vicarage Field and the High Street, will include a special Christmas market featuring traders, independent sellers and local businesses offering handmade gifts, decorations, artisan food and drink, local products and seasonal treats.
The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm, with a programme of live entertainment and festive activities taking place throughout the afternoon and evening.
For further information or to enquire about future stall availability, contact Hailsham Town Council on 01323 841702 or email markets@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk