Le Marché returns to bring a taste of France to Heathfield this Bank Holiday
27th August
Le Marche is back this Bank Holiday Monday
One of Heathfield’s best-loved annual events returns this Bank Holiday Monday, when Le Marché once again transforms the town centre into a bustling Anglo-French street market.
Taking place on Monday 31 August from 10am to 4pm, the event will bring around 90 stalls to Station Road and Station Approach, with food, drink, crafts, local produce and plenty of French-inspired treats on offer. Entry, entertainment and the popular Park & Ride service are all free.
Now in its 29th year, Le Marché has become a firm fixture in Heathfield’s calendar and is believed to be the longest-running Anglo-French market in the South East.
The event has its roots in 1997, when local councillor Valerie Chidson and a group of traders, residents and councillors came up with the idea of using a French-style market to bring new life and visitors into the town. The first Le Marché was a remarkable success, attracting around 10,000 visitors despite a wet Bank Holiday Monday.
The links forged through the event also helped establish the twinning of Heathfield and Waldron with Forges-les-Eaux in Normandy the following year.
For 2026, visitors can once again expect a full programme of live entertainment alongside the market. Headline sponsor Lightning Fibre is supporting the music stage and will also provide free public WiFi during the day.
Local businesses are also being encouraged to make the most of the influx of visitors, with an increasing number of Heathfield shops opening for the day.
Station Road and Station Approach will be closed to traffic, with the free Park & Ride operating from Heathfield Market Car Park.
Whether you come for the French food, local produce, shopping, music or simply the atmosphere, Le Marché promises another lively Bank Holiday Monday in the heart of Heathfield.
