Hailsham Street Market Trials to Return Soon – First Event on 20th March

Hailsham Town Council is encouraging residents to mark Friday 20th March in their diaries, when the first in a new series of Friday trial events for Hailsham Street Market will take place at Blackmans Yard, located behind the Town Council offices in Market Street. The trials will run across a ten‑week period and will include five further market dates during the spring.

The upcoming trial phase follows the conclusion of the most recent series in October, which assessed Blackmans Yard as a potential long-term location and examined the effect of holding Hailsham Street Market on Fridays. Throughout that period, the Council monitored visitor numbers, trader feedback and levels of community engagement.

Hailsham Street Market was previously held on Saturdays in Vicarage Field before being relocated to Blackmans Yard in July. The new site, situated behind the Town Council offices in Market Street, offers a flexible space under Council ownership and allows a broader range of goods to be sold due to fewer restrictions.

The trials form part of a wider programme to revitalise Hailsham Street Market and broaden the variety of stalls available. Recent markets have featured local produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts and clothing among other items.

Councillor Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Communities Committee, said: “We are pleased to confirm the dates for the next series of trial events for Hailsham Street Market and we encourage residents to make a note of the first market on Friday 20 March. These trials will help us understand how the market can best serve the town and how it may continue to develop.”

Cllr Ricketts added: “The previous trial period provided useful insight into how traders and visitors use the space at Blackmans Yard. The upcoming events will allow us to gather further evidence and ensure that any long-term decisions reflect the needs of the community.”

Operations and Facilities Manager Tony Lee commented: “Blackmans Yard has shown potential as a venue for Hailsham Street Market. We recognise that changes in location and trading days take time for residents to adjust to and the additional trial dates will help us build a clearer picture of how the market can grow.”