Faversham millennium market

Published Thursday 23 May, 2024
Last updated on Tuesday 28 May, 2024

Get ready to step back in time and experience a monumental market in Faversham's history!  

This weekend, the town will celebrate 1,000 years of trading and producing with a grand Millennium Market on Sunday the 26 May.

With support from Swale Borough Council’s Town Centre Action Grant (TAG), the historic town centre will be a bustling hub of activity, full of stalls from local traders, producers, artisans, and voluntary organizations.  

The streets will be lined with unique crafts, fresh produce, and delicious treats, as well as live music, historic demonstrations, and birds of prey and livestock displays.

The exhibition centre will be open, offering a glimpse into Faversham's rich heritage, helping locals and visitors appreciate all that this charming market town has to offer.

The Faversham Millennium Market has received £5,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Find out more about the event here: https://favershammarket.org/get-ready-for-faversham-millennium-market/

Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of the economy and property committee, is thrilled to see this once-in-a-millennium event come to life.  

"This special market is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the enduring popularity and rich history of Faversham.  

"It's not just about celebrating the past, but also supporting local businesses and artists, ensuring that this vibrant community continues to thrive for years to come.

"I’m pleased we were able to support this event through TAG, and we’ll be reopening the scheme soon to support even more projects like this.”

Suzanne Whittaker, the market manager, said:

“Faversham Market is run by a co-operative of stallholders and representatives of the local community.

“We are very proud to be custodians of this fabulous market which is such an important part of Faversham’s history.  

“The Millennium Market is a wonderful way to help visitors from across the region celebrate Faversham and its markets – we hope everyone who joins us has a memorable day.”

The TAG aims to improve the towns of Faversham, Sittingbourne and Sheerness, as well as the smaller historic centres of Milton Regis and Queenborough.

Interested groups were asked to come together to develop co-ordinated action plans and projects for the towns, with grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 to schemes that focus on:

1.local arts, cultural, heritage and creative events and activities in and around the town centres that create interest and promote footfall and usage
2.promotional campaigns to encourage visits and people to explore the town centres, increasing interest and footfall
3.projects that enhance the existing cultural, historic & heritage offer, helping re-enforce a sense of place and encourage visitors.

The Town Centre Action Grants scheme has received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.