Blackman’s Yard Market Returns This Friday with Expanded Line-Up of Traders

Hailsham Town Council is preparing to host the next instalment of its Friday market trial programme this week, with the second event set to take place at Blackman’s Yard on Friday [10th April, 9am-4pm].

Building on the strong turnout and positive feedback from the first market held on 20 March, the upcoming event is expected to feature an even broader mix of stalls, offering visitors a diverse and engaging shopping experience. Interest from traders has continued to grow, helping to shape a lively marketplace with something for all tastes.

Shoppers can look forward to a wide variety of products, including handmade crafts, artisan food and drink, skincare items, home decor, jewellery, gifts and more.

Blackman’s Yard, situated behind the Town Council offices in Market Street, is currently hosting the trial markets, with additional dates planned for 24th April, 8th May and 22nd May.

The trial initiative is designed to explore the long-term potential of Blackman’s Yard as a permanent home for Hailsham’s market, while also assessing the success of a regular Friday trading day. It follows an earlier trial period which concluded last autumn, during which visitor numbers and trader feedback were carefully analysed.

The market relocated from its former Saturday base at Vicarage Field to Blackman’s Yard last summer. As a Town Council-owned space, the site offers greater flexibility for layout and operations, allowing a wider range of traders to take part and improving the overall accessibility of the event.

A strong line-up of stallholders has been confirmed for this Friday’s market:

• Mini Mouthfuls (sweet treats)
• Pebble Rebel (pebble art frames and gifts)
• Joy’s Jewellery (pearl and Czech glass jewellery)
• Wobbly Pot (handmade pottery)
• Swirls and curls (quilling greeting cards, frames and paper items)
• 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)

Local community organisations will also be represented, including Seaside Community Hub and the RSPB.

Councillor Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Communities Committee, said: “The response to our first Friday market was extremely encouraging, both in terms of visitor numbers and trader participation. It created a great atmosphere and demonstrated the potential for a regular, well-supported market in this location.”

“We’re looking forward to building on that momentum this Friday, with an even wider selection of stalls. We encourage residents to come along, enjoy what’s on offer and support the many independent traders and community groups taking part.”

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.”

Residents and visitors alike are invited to attend the market, explore the wide variety of goods on offer and play a part in supporting local enterprise as the trial programme continues.