Deal Saturday Market at 322!

Published: 20 October 2021

On the 13th October 1699 King William III signed a Royal Charter to make Deal a separate town to its neighbour Sandwich. Within this charter it stated that Deal can have its own Saturday Market. Hence Deal Saturday Market was born!

Deal Saturday Market is run by Deal Town Council. On Saturday 16^th October the council celebrated the right for Deal to have a market on the 322^nd birthday since the signing of the Charter. Their celebration included Deal Towns Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sue Beer, giving away 300 free reusable shopping bags to visitors, live music from the Salvation Army Band followed by The Kellet Gut Shantymen. Many traders had special deals on their products for the day.

Saturday Market Officer, Chris Hobbs-East said: “It was good to see so many people enjoying their local market, the site was adorned by bunting and birthday decorations . The event was also to raise awareness of the market and to celebrate the 35 traders each week that turn up to offer a full and varied market 52 weeks a year.

We were very excited to welcome the Kellet Gut Shantymen. When the market first started in 1699 it was a fish market run by the local fisherman. Shanty songs would have probably been sung by fishermen there so it was nice to bring that bit of history back to the market.

Deal Saturday Market, like many of the towns businesses has been affected by the pandemic, with various government restrictions, but hopefully this weekend showed that it is back to its lively vibrant self with a great variety for people to enjoy in the open air.”

As we all gear up for the Christmas season you may have realized that Christmas Day falls on a Saturday this year. Well fear not as Deal Saturday Market will be running on Christmas Eve instead that week so that customers can get their last minute presents and collect any food orders!