Think of British markets and you instantly picture busy fruit and vegetable stalls and Cockney accents calling out the deal of the day.

But while Basildon Market is every bit as traditional as it’s predecessors it is also a market with a twist, offering a host of specialised services in keeping with modern tastes and lifestyles.

If you wander around the busy stalls of Basildon Market today, you are as likely to find a Reiki healer, independent tailor, tattooist, and eyebrow threading expert as you are a butchers, fish mongers and fruit and vegetable stall. That is because Basildon Market has deliberately diversified from its roots in order to stay relevant to today’s consumers and ensure the market survives tough economic conditions, while still retaining the stalls people have come to love on any market. The decision is clearly paying off as Basildon Market remains as vibrant and bustling as it did 53 years ago when it first launched. 

Manager Paul Dawson said: “If you speak to any of the local shops they will say it’s always quiet when the market is not on.  We do pull quite a few people into the town which is great for everybody, not just Basildon Market.

“Unfortunately traditional markets are dying out and we’ve had to become more specialised to cater for modern living and look more to the service industry to push forward the markets. We have new ladies hairdressers, for example.

“For the British Market to survive it needs people to get behind it. There needs to be that push of support from local people but rest assured we will still be here.”

Visitors to Basildon Market not only benefit from excellent value for money whether it’s fresh fruit and vegetables or fresh cut flowers, they’re also treated to the visual spectacle of a bustling town market and entertained by the friendly banter with the traders.

The Market offers 107 stalls offering a wide variety of goods and services including a watch battery specialist, beauty salon, garden shrubs and flowers, pet foods and accessories, luggage and health foods. 

The market has excellent transport links and is it situated right next to the bus station and across the road from the mainline railway station and taxi rank making it easily accessible to residents and visitors alike.

Basildon Market is open 8.30am to 4pm on Tuesday and Thursday, 8.30am to 4.30pm on Fridays and 8.30am to 5pm on Saturdays.

Christmas Lights Switch On

This year’s Christmas Lights switch on takes place on Saturday, November 19 and in conjunction with the council, the market will have stalls in the Town Centre as part of the festive celebration.

Basildon Market will be open all day every day for the festive period from Tuesday, 13 December up until Christmas Eve.

Tea, coffee and light snacks and food are served all day and toilet facilities are also available. For more information call 01268 288268 or click here.