Heathfield's famous Anglo-French market, Le Marché comes to the town on Bank Holiday Monday.
Now in its 12th year Le Marché came about when local councillors and traders decided to breathe lungfuls of economic viability into the town.
They had seen how successful French markets could be and decided to co-opt some traders from twin town Fo
rges les Eaux as well as stallholders from Dieppe who already had a foothold in marketplaces throughout the South of England.
They were joined by enthusiastic farmers and UK food producers and the idea for Le Marché was born.
Now the market itself is livened with street theatre, entertainment, jazz on the bandstand and storytelling in the library.
In its first year Le Marché drew about 10,000 visitors to Heathfield on a wet August Bank Holiday – this weekend numbers are expected to exceed 25,000.
Celebrations start at 9.30am when Station Road and Station Approach will close to traffic.
There is a free park and ride from the Heathfield Market car park.
Music and entertainment is provided by the Dojo Drummers of Mugen Taiko Dojo, Tricky Beats, Marcos Magic, The Haysden String Quartet, Andy Bosco Circus Workshop, Duende Flamenco and The Blues Brothers.
National Talking Newspapers open their studios for the day and Heathfield Fire Station will show off a vintage fire engine, Victorian steam pump and new fire appliance – one of 14 bought by East Sussex Fire and Rescue.
On sale throughout the day will be French and Sussex produce, sausages, pates, bread and patisserie, hot food, fashion accessories, crafts, housewares, cheeses and much more.
The market is open until 3.30pm and entry is free.
The full article contains 282 words and appears in Sussex Express Series newspaper.
