Hailsham Street Market Trials Return in Blackmans Yard on 20 March

Residents are being reminded to mark in their diaries the date for the first in a programme of additional Friday trial markets this Spring. The first event will be held on Friday 20th March at Blackmans Yard, behind the Town Council offices in Market Street, with further dates scheduled throughout the season.

The markets will run over a ten-week trial period, with events held on selected Fridays. The programme is designed to help the Town Council further assess the long-term suitability of Blackmans Yard as a permanent market location, while also evaluating the impact of Friday trading on visitor numbers and trader participation. The trials build on an earlier phase that concluded in October, during which footfall, trader feedback and community engagement were reviewed.

Formerly held on Saturdays in Vicarage Field, Hailsham Street Market relocated to Blackmans Yard last summer. The move introduced a more flexible, Council-owned venue with fewer trading restrictions, allowing traders to offer a broader range of products. Recent markets have featured local produce, artisan food and drink, handmade crafts, clothing and a variety of specialist goods.

The confirmed trial dates are:

• Friday 20 March

• Friday 10 April

• Friday 24 April

• Friday 8 May

• Friday 22 May

Commenting on the trial programme, Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Communities Committee, said: “We’re delighted to be moving forward with the next phase of trial markets and would encourage residents to make a note of the dates and come along to support this important town-centre attraction. These events will help us understand how the market can best meet the needs of Hailsham and continue to develop in a sustainable way.”

She added: “The previous trial period provided valuable insight into how Blackmans Yard functions as a market space. The forthcoming events will allow us to build on that evidence, gather further community feedback and make informed decisions about the market’s future.”

The Town Council is also encouraging both new and returning traders to take part in the upcoming trials. Traders interested in booking a stall at one or more of the Friday markets are invited to call 01323 841702 or email markets@hailsham-tc.gov.uk for further information.