Statement re. Sileby Market

We understand the pandemic has significantly impacted our communities and people and businesses have adapted to support each other. However, we are in discussions with the organiser of the market in Sileby and have asked them to put it on hold as we are concerned by the number and types of stalls operating each week.  

We have to consider our responsibility to the Loughborough Market which is protected by a Royal Charter. We will continue to work with the organisers of the Sileby market and the Market Traders’ Federation while we investigate the options but for clarity we would not allow the market at Sileby to continue to operate in its current form.

While we admire local entrepreneurs working for and in their communities, we are required to balance this by safeguarding Loughborough markets Royal Charter from competition from across the borough, which attracts thousands of people to Loughborough and the borough. 

All market organisers must apply for a license under the Charter, including those running car boot sales and craft markets. Markets planning to sell clothes, perishables, or other traditional market stall items such as groceries are not granted licenses as these would be in direct competition with Loughborough Market. Allowing the market to continue in its current form would also set a precedent for others which would considerably impact the 799-year-old Loughborough Market.