Who can have a stall at the market?
The market is for LOCAL producers. The definition of local is a flexible 30 mile radius ( This could include parts of France). In fact the majority of our stall holders are local farmers/smallholders but we also would like to include local crafts and other non-food products as long as they are made locally and use local materials wherever possible.
You can see a list of the current stallholders here but please check with us as this is often changing.

How do I apply for a stall at the market?
A recent decision has been that in future we would like you to apply in writing using our application form.  You can either print this out or - save the Word version and email this to us.

How much does a stall cost?
£10 (January to end of March £5)

What are the times of the market?
The market opens officially at 10am and closes at 1pm although customers generally start to arrive at 9.30. Stall holders should start arriving from 8am but some leave it rather late

What do you get for £10(£5)?
The stalls, which are 8ft square, are erected for you and consist of metal frames with canvas covers. You will also have a table top.
However you are expected to help dismantle the stall at the end of the market and if possible help to put the frames and canvasses away in the trailer.

Do I need insurance?
Yes. If you are to sell to the public you should have public liability insurance. This costs about £50 a year. The NFU are generally able to help with this, another possible insurer is Toogoods

Who do I need to contact to arrange to come to the market?
Me. Ring 01797 280282 and ask for Christopher or leave a message and I will call you back or email

Will I get rich by selling at Farmers Markets?
Not very, but they can be a very good way to promote your business generally,  develop new ideas and test out new products. They represent a useful part of the process of building a business selling to the public and can be an enjoyable and sociable experience.
Rye is one of the smaller weekly markets. There are others, that usually take place on a Saturday once a month,  such as Tunbridge Wells and Lewes where you can expect to do a lot more business and perhaps these generalisations do not apply.

What happens if the weather is really bad?
We can get wet and cold and on 2 occasions in the last 6 years we were not able to put the stalls up. But luckily the sun seems to shine on Wednesdays.

Who do I pay?
Then stall fee is collected off you in a painless way during the course of the market.

Who runs the market?
It is run by a voluntary committee of townsfolk and stall holders. You are welcome to come along to one of our meeting if you are interested. New committee members needed.

What happens to the stall fees?
We pay for the stalls to be delivered, erected and taken away at the end of the market.
We also pay rent to the Environment Agency who own the Strand Quay where the market takes place
We also have a few minor administrative expenses including our own insurance.
Any remaining funds are spent on promoting the market with advertising, posters etc.
 

What other local markets are there?
The nearest are Brede (Fridays), Rolvenden (Thursdays), Battle (3rd Saturday), Hastings (2nd and 4thThursday), Wye (1st and 3rd Saturday)  Bexhill (4th Thursday)

Click on these links to see the formal RULES of the market and a copy of our CONSTITUTION

Please let us know if there are any other questions you think should be answered here Contact US