Traders Invited to Apply for Free Pitches at Friday Trial Markets

Hailsham Town Council is pleased to invite applications from both new and established traders to participate in a forthcoming programme of Friday trial markets, commencing on Friday 20 March.

To encourage wide participation and support independent enterprise, all pitches will be provided free of charge for the duration of the trial period.

The markets will take place at Blackmans Yard (located behind the Town Council offices in Market Street) between 9am and 1pm on the following dates:

• Friday 20 March

• Friday 10 April

• Friday 24 April

• Friday 8 May

• Friday 22 May

Complimentary Pitches – An Opportunity for Traders

By removing pitch fees during the trial phase, the Town Council aims to provide a low-risk, accessible opportunity for traders to showcase their goods, expand their customer base and contribute to the continued development of the town’s market offer.

Expressions of interest are welcomed from a broad range of traders, including:

• Fresh produce suppliers

• Butchers and bakers

• Hot food vendors

• Artisan food and drink producers

• Craft and handmade goods sellers

• Jewellery and accessories designers

• Clothing retailers and specialist traders

A diverse range of stalls will be essential in establishing a vibrant and sustainable Friday market, and the Council strongly encourages interested traders to take advantage of this complimentary opportunity.

Supporting the Future of Hailsham Street Market

The trial programme forms part of the Council’s ongoing assessment of the long-term suitability of Blackmans Yard as the permanent home of Hailsham Street Market. The initiative will also evaluate the impact of Friday trading on visitor numbers, trader participation and overall town-centre vitality.

The market, previously held on Saturdays at Vicarage Field, relocated to Blackmans Yard last summer. The Council-owned site offers increased flexibility and fewer operational constraints, enabling traders to offer a broader and more varied product range.

Councillor Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Communities Committee, commented: “We are pleased to proceed with this next phase of trial markets and would strongly encourage traders to apply for a complimentary pitch. The removal of pitch fees during the trial period represents a valuable opportunity for businesses to participate and help shape the future of the market.”

She added: “The earlier trial period provided useful data and community feedback. These forthcoming dates will allow the Council to build upon that evidence and determine the most appropriate structure for the market moving forward.”

Tony Lee, Operations & Facilities Manager at Hailsham Town Council, commented: “This initiative is intended to encourage participation by reducing the usual financial commitment associated with market trading. We welcome applications from experienced traders and new enterprises alike and look forward to seeing a strong and varied line-up across the trial dates.”

Booking Information

Traders wishing to secure a free pitch at one or more of the above dates are invited to contact the Town Council by calling 01323 841702 or emailing markets@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.

Early application is advised, as space is limited.