Town Council to Host Final Friday Market Trial at Blackman’s Yard

Hailsham Town Council is inviting residents and visitors to attend the final event in its successful Friday market trial series, taking place at Blackman’s Yard on Friday 22 May from 9am to 1pm.

Following the strong response to the previous spring markets, which attracted enthusiastic support from both traders and shoppers, the final trial promises an even bigger and more diverse shopping experience. Increased interest from stallholders has enabled the Council to expand the variety of products on offer, creating a vibrant and welcoming marketplace in the heart of Hailsham.

Visitors can browse an eclectic range of stalls featuring handmade crafts, artisan foods, skincare products, home décor, gifts and more. The market continues to celebrate the creativity and enterprise of independent traders, while also providing opportunities for local organisations to connect with the community.

Blackman’s Yard, located behind the Town Council offices in Market Street, has hosted the latest series of market trials as part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to assess the long-term potential of the site as a permanent home for Hailsham’s market and to gauge demand for regular Friday trading.

The initiative follows an earlier trial period held last autumn, during which visitor numbers and trader feedback were closely monitored to help shape future plans.

Since relocating from its former Saturday location at Vicarage Field last summer, the market has benefited from the flexibility and accessibility offered by Blackman’s Yard, a Town Council-owned venue that allows for improved layouts and a broader mix of traders.

A strong and varied line-up of stallholders has been confirmed for Fridays event, including:

• Jarvah Biltong – beef products
• Joy’s Jewellery – pearl and Czech glass jewellery
• Wobbly Pot – handmade pottery
• Falafel Box – freshly prepared food
• La Maison de Valerie – home décor
• LAW Designs – handcrafted jewellery
• P&S Personalised and Sassy – personalised home décor
• She Sells Sea Shells (fossils and gemstones)
• Reaction Games – 3D-printed gaming miniatures
• Forever Living – aloe vera products
• Tropic Skincare (skincare and cosmetics)
• Crafty Agnes (pre-made jewellery)

Local organisations including the RSPB will also be attending, offering information about their services and community initiatives.

Councillor Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Communities Committee, said: “The response to our first four Friday market trials has been extremely encouraging and has demonstrated the strong potential for a thriving regular market in this location. The events have created a fantastic atmosphere and brought people together in a positive and engaging way.”

“We are excited to build on that success at this final trial market and would encourage residents to come along, support local traders and enjoy everything the market has to offer.”

Karen Giddings, Corporate Services Manager, added: “We have been delighted with the turnout and feedback from our previous trial markets. The events have clearly highlighted the appetite for a well-organised, high-quality market in Hailsham.”

“We look forward to welcoming visitors once again this Friday.”