Town Council Announces Second Market Trial at Blackman’s Yard

Hailsham Town Council is pleased to announce the second in a series of five market trials, which will take place on Friday 10th April at Blackman’s Yard.

Following the success of the first trial held on 20th March, which attracted strong public attendance, a wide range of traders have confirmed their participation in the upcoming market. Early interest from stallholders has contributed to a vibrant and well-supported event so far, with visitors benefiting from a varied selection of goods.

Products featured at previous markets have included confectionery, handmade birdhouses and bee hotels, skincare and cosmetic products, freshly prepared food, crafts, personalised gifts, home decor, handcrafted jewellery, and fossils and gemstones.

The markets are currently being hosted at Blackman’s Yard, located behind the Town Council offices in Market Street. Further trial dates have been scheduled for 24th April, 8th May and 22nd May.

This programme of trials has been introduced to assess the suitability of Blackman’s Yard as a potential long-term location for the town’s market. It also enables the Town Council to evaluate the viability of holding markets on Fridays. The current trials follow an earlier programme which concluded in October, during which visitor numbers, trader feedback and overall community engagement were carefully reviewed.

The market, previously held on Saturdays at Vicarage Field, was relocated to Blackman’s Yard last summer. As a Council-owned site, the venue provides greater operational flexibility, enabling a broader range of traders to participate and reducing previous logistical constraints.

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

Traders attending the market on Friday 10th April include:

• Mini Mouthfuls (sweet treats)
• Pebble Rebel (pebble art frames and gifts)
• Joy’s Jewellery (pearl and Czech glass jewellery)
• Wobbly Pot (handmade pottery)
• Swirls & Curls (quilling greeting cards and frames)
• Practical Birdhouses (birdhouses and wildlife products)
• Tropic Skincare (skincare and cosmetics)
• Falafel Box (freshly prepared food)
• Debbie’s Crafty Creations (gifts)
• La Maison de Valerie (home décor)
• LAW Designs (handcrafted jewellery)
• She Sells Sea Shells (fossils and gemstones)
• Caromacare (vegan skincare)
• P&S Personalised and Sassy (personalised home décor)
• Reaction Games (3D-printed gaming miniatures)
• Forever Living (aloe vera products)

Community groups and charities in attendance will include Seaside Community Hub and the RSPB.

Councillor Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Communities Committee, said: “We are very encouraged by the level of trader interest and public support seen at the first Friday market. The next event is expected to be one of the largest markets the town has hosted in recent years, and we would encourage residents to attend and support local businesses.”

“The previous trial programme provided valuable insight into the use of Blackman’s Yard as a market venue. This current phase will build on that experience, allowing us to gather further feedback to help inform future decisions.”

Corporate Services Manager Karen Giddings added: “We have been very pleased with both trader participation and visitor turnout at the first market in March. It was a strong start and created a positive and welcoming atmosphere.”

“We look forward to seeing residents at the next market on Friday 10th April and encourage people to come along, explore the stalls and support independent traders.”