Hailsham Christmas Market extravaganza: Saturday 14th December

The town centre will be home to a range of stalls selling Christmas gifts, handmade goods, confectionery and other items at the Christmas Market event on 14th December. This year's festive market event is set to be the biggest to date, taking place at three different sites - Vicarage Field (outdoor market and entertainment), Civic Community Hall (indoor market and entertainment) and the Hailsham Farmers' Market at the Cattle Market site.

The event will feature live music from the Sussex Stompers, as well as special appearances by Star Wars-costumed performers Vader's Raiders and Santa & His Sleigh (courtesy of Hailsham Rotary Club). Festive refreshments will also be on sale on the day to tempt visitors.

Hailsham Lions will have a stall selling roasted chestnuts, candy floss and mulled wine, with a racing pigs game for children.

There will be a Christmas fancy dress competition parade and a best dressed pet parade, both of which will be open to people of all ages. Leaving the Civic Community Hall at noon, going through Vicarage Field and proceeding down to the Cattle Market site where judging will take place, there will prizes for everyone entering the competitions. The Sjaan Dance Academy will be joining in the festivities and dancing to music along the parade route.

Hailsham Farmers’ Market will hold its Christmas event at the Cattle Market site and Wealden Brass will present a free concert of carols and Christmas music at Hailsham Parish Church from 2.30pm on the day.

Confirmed stall holders at the event to date include Love 1918 (wax melt collection), Ace Knits & Bits (handmade garments), Misty Acres (bespoke flowers), Viewcraft (homemade craft items), Kayz Crystals (crystals and accessories), Mini Mouthfuls homemade fudge) and Raystede (charity stall/activities).

Market traders can benefit from booking a stall at the Christmas Market and are encouraged to do so by calling 01323 841702 or emailing [email protected].

Communities Committee Chair, Cllr Alexa Clarke said: "We're already getting into the Christmas spirit here on the festivities team. We received encouraging feedback from both shoppers and stallholders in previous years and are looking forward to doing it all again this December and making the event an even bigger success."

"We're also excited to be building on the programme of festive entertainment and look forward to welcoming stallholders who can help us continue to make Christmas in Hailsham really magical."

Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts, Deputy Town Mayor and Vice-Chair of the Communities Committee commented: "There really is something for everyone to experience in the town during the festive period, from families and couples to those visiting Hailsham for a spot of Christmas shopping."

"Our Christmas Market programme, combined with that provided by the Farmers' Market, includes quality live entertainment and a range of activities which we hope will enthuse everyone - and help support local businesses during the festive period."