Many shoppers attended Hailsham’s Summer & French Market in the town centre on Saturday [23 July], an event organised by Hailsham Town Council with the support of its project partners.
Vicarage Field was home to a range of street market stalls selling locally sourced food, as well as gifts and accessories, and there a specialist French Market, courtesy of traders Le Marche, to tempt visitors.
The French traders mostly came from different ‘departments’ in Normandy and cross the Channel every week to offer a wide range of high-quality products in different parts of the UK. Products on sale included local and regional cheeses, freshly baked bread, patisserie products, olives and dried fruits, as well as jewellery, accessories and more.
There was also be a candy floss stall courtesy of Hailsham Lions, live music from the Sussex Stompers and Hailsham FM broadcast live throughout the day.
Councillor Nigel Coltman, Vice-Chairman of the Town Council’s Communities Committee said: “The Summer Market resulted in a busy Hailsham town centre on Saturday and I’m delighted all of the events organised by the Town Council – supported by its community partners – are always well attended and appeal to people of all ages.”
“Our committee has worked hard in recent months to make the necessary preparations for the Hailsham Summer & French Market event and is grateful to everyone who has supported us from the outset.”
Town Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook commented: “The enthusiasm of not only shoppers, but local producers and traders, has helped establish our markets. Our Summer Market event attracts traders and visitors and is an annual highlight for Hailsham town centre, despite having not taken place since 2019 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and associated restrictions.”
Cllr Holbrook added: “Our main aim is to work with partner organisations to establish community led festivities – not only during the summer but throughout the year – all of which benefit the residents of Hailsham, whilst supporting local traders and increasing the footfall in the town on event days.”
The Town Council has already started organising this year’s Hailsham Christmas Market, which takes place in the town centre on Saturday 10th December.
Vicarage Field will be home to a range of stalls selling fine food, Christmas gifts, confectionery and other items at the Christmas Market event, and various festive refreshments will be on sale to tempt visitors.
The event will also feature Santa and his Sleigh as well as live music, plus there will be carol singing in Vicarage Field and at the Cattle Market site (details to be announced soon). Hailsham FM will be playing popular Christmas tunes throughout the day.
The Town Council’s festivities team will once again be organising a ‘Find the Elf’ competition for families and children and there will also be a ‘Best Dressed Elf’ contest for primary school age children to enter, with the judging and announcement of the winner taking place at the Farmers’ Market site that day.
Hailsham Farmers’ Market will hold a special Christmas event at the Livestock Market site in Market Street on the same day, selling local, quality, traceable food and crafts. There will also be festive entertainment on-site, details of which will be announced soon.
Market traders can benefit from booking a free stall on the day and are encouraged to do so by calling 01323 841702 or emailing enquiries@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