Le Marché’s French and English traders drew huge crowds to Heathfield on Bank Holiday Monday

Bank Holiday Monday 28 August saw the popular Le Marché back in Heathfield, East Sussex. This annual Anglo-French market event is a combination of superb entertainment and 110 French and English stalls. This year’s market was blessed with fine weather which drew huge and happy crowds to the 26^th Anglo/French market in Heathfield.   The event is designed for the whole family with everything free, except the tempting shopping opportunities from the wide range of items offered by the stall holders.

The entertainment provided by Fat Belly Jones – saxophone and brass playing Ska and Soul – Sway Allstars – with local musicians proving why they were asked to play at the Queen’s Jubilee concert – The Sussex Stompers Jazz Band and Yum Yums – a local band – had the crowd dancing in the street.

In addition the Warbledon Brass Band,  the WarbleSingers, and String Theory provided support in the Union Church, where Churches Together provided refreshments.

For the children, of any age, Marco the Magician and Andy Boscoe were on hand in the State Hall and around the Market to fascinate their audience.  The State Hall also provided a huge blow up slide, and refreshments aimed at the young.

The stalls in the market sold a wide range of goods and services.   It was good to see many French stalls back and providing many delicious hot foods, cheese, garlic and an onsite baker.  They stood alongside the English stalls selling a very wide variety of meat (including venison), fruit, wine, coffee, clothing, soap and candles many of which were from local producers.   Services were represented by the Parish Council, Rotary’s Pimms and Prosecco, the Masons, a Chiropractor, the Men’s Shed, Heathfield Benefice and many others.

Henners local wine producer showcasing their sparking wine and gin

Although all parking in Heathfield is still free, many visitors used the free park and ride service from the Tuesday Market car park in Burwash Road to the High Street.  It proved so popular that for the first time the car park was completely full.

The event organiser, Richard Ridley commented:

“I would like to praise praise the eight members of the committee that ran the event.  Without their hard work, on a voluntary basis, there would be no Le Marché.   I am  also very grateful to the many organisations that helped including the Rotary Club, the Bonfire Society, the Rugby Club and the Horam Scouts.  And thanks also to our sponsor Lightning Fibre and the many advertisers in our free programme.”