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Become a trader at Leicester Markets

Leicester Market is located in the heart of the city centre and has a proud history of over 700 years. The market has over 150 outdoor stalls and 19 units selling fruit, vegetables and other products.

Leicester Market coronavirus update

Thank you for your continued support of Leicester Market.

We want to keep serving the city, but only if we can do so safely and without risk for our customers and stallholders.

In line with government guidance to reduce social contact, we have made the following temporary changes until further notice:

  • non-food items in Leicester Market won’t be available
  • food stalls remain open but will be spread across the outdoor market, allowing you to access food supplies while keeping a safe distance
  • we're introducing a queuing system for the Food Hall, ensuring customers can keep two metres apart and limiting

We look forward to seeing you at the market, for any queries on stallholder arrangements please email us at: markets@leicester.gov.uk.

Market information

There is also a food hall selling meat, fish, cheese, and deli products. Both the market and food hall are open Monday – Saturday but closed on bank holidays (excluding Good Friday).

Leicester also has another, smaller market. Beaumont Market has over 40 stalls and units selling fruit and vegetables, books, clothing, second hand goods, bric-a-brac and more.  Beaumont Market is open Wednesday – Saturday with a casual market and car boot on Sunday.

Many successful businesses have started on markets and it’s a great way to see if starting your own business is right for you.

Quick task for existing traders



How do I become a trader?

Becoming a new trader at Leicester or Beaumont Market is simple and straightforward – our casual trading system allows you to come in on the morning you wish to trade and get a stall that day. As a casual trader you can experiment with trading on different days and locations so you can get an idea of what works best for you. The best thing is there is no obligation for you to trade for any period of time so you can choose what suits your schedule.

What paperwork do I need to become a trader?

  • Photo ID: passport or driver’s license
  • Proof of address: recent utilities bill or bank statement
  • Proof of insurance: all traders are required to hold public and product liability insurance for up to £5 million which can be purchased from one of several companies

Do I need to book a stall in advance?

There is no need to book in advance or inform us that you are coming. Please report to the locations below between 8am and 8.30am if you are looking to trade casually:

  • Leicester Market, Customer Care Centre, 2-4 Market Place South, Leicester, LE1 5HB
  • Beaumont Market, Beaumont Shopping Centre, Beaumont Way, Leicester, LE4 1DS.

How much does it cost?

Leicester Market

  • Monday to Friday: £17 - £22
  • Saturday: £18 - £23

Beaumont Market

  • Wednesday to Friday: £9.60
  • Saturday: £16.50

Sunday

  • Market: £10 per stall
  • Car boot: £8 per car
  • Double space for van: £12.

How do I get a regular stall at the market?

Once you get some experience trading on the market, you can decide what days and locations suit you best. Most traders like to tender for a stall so that they know exactly where they will be trading on each day.

How do I tender? 

Our process for applying for a permanent stall is done through a regular tender which usually happens every 2 to 3 months.  Traders choose the amount that they want to pay (or tender) as long as it is above the minimum.

  • First come to our office and pick up the vacant stall list once tenders have opened – there’s one for each day. Decide which stalls and which days you want to tender for. 
  • Sign for tender forms. You will need one for each day/stall you want to tender for. 
  • Complete the tender form (let us know if you have any questions) and hand back into the office before the deadline.
  • We will do our best to let you know in writing within 5 working days of the closing date whether or not you are successful.

The process for applying for a regular stall is slightly different at Beaumont Market. Please ring 0116 223 2378 for more information.

Other benefits

When you become a permanent trader you get the added benefit of six weeks’ annual leave (you must apply for annual leave no less than 7 days in advance), and four weeks sick leave (sick note required from your doctor) where you are not liable for rent.

If you have any questions or if you need any support please get in touch with our Development Office on 0116 223 2372.