Boston Market

Boston Market

Boston Market operates in the Market Place every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year, with a Makers & Farmers Market on the last Saturday of each month between March - October.

Boston Market is a recognised tourist attraction in its' own right; with a large number of market traders offering a diverse and attractive range of goods, services and fresh local produce such as fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, plants and flowers, toys, gadgets, fabrics, sweets, cakes, cards, household goods and clothing.  There's also an opportunity to have a drink and a tasty snack from one of the outdoor catering vendors.

Throughout the year, Boston Market hosts additional special markets alongside its regular market including a Makers & Farmers Market, the Teenage Market and more to come. The Markets Team also work closely with the Events Team and private operators to assist in hosting special events within the Market Place.

To keep up to date with all our offers, news and the general promotion of our markets, please follow us on Facebook at @BostonMarketUk.

Market traders

To apply to trade on Boston Market, please read the Boston Market Policy (PDF, 366 KB), the Market Severe Weather Policy (PDF, 286 KB) and complete the Boston Market application form (PDF, 190 KB).

For all queries, please email the Markets Team at markets@boston.gov.uk.

Market Fees (April 2025)

All pitches and gazebos are 3m x 3m

Regular trader - £15.00 per pitch

Casual trader - £18.00 per pitch

Gazebo - £2.00 per market

Electric - £5.00 per market

Parking - £2.50 per vehicle

Offers

1. Any REGULAR trader that stands every week, April to February, (excluding their holiday entitlement and inclement weather day entitlement) can stand for free in March. *Doesn't include traders who have served a suspension within that period.

2. Any NEW CASUAL trader that stands at least 4 times within 4 weeks, will be entitled to the next 2 consecutive markets, for free. *Upfront payment is required to be cleared for all 4 initial markets to be eligible for the offer.

3. Once a NEW REGULAR trader status has been approved (stood for 8 consecutive markets), they will get the next 2 consecutive markets for free.

4. Any traders that have previously traded on Boston Market but hasn't done so for over 12 months, will be entitled to all incentives. *Incentives 2 and 3 doesn't include traders who have previously served a suspension.

Charity Pitches

Charities and local organisations can stand on Boston Market for free, once every 3 months. Subject to availability, a gazebo and tables may be provided for free. This can be used to sell products to raise money for the charity; or to raise awareness.

To apply for a charity stall, please complete the Charity Application Form (PDF, 123 KB).

History of Boston Market

Trading fairs or "marts" have been held in Boston since at least the 12th Century - the earliest historic record of a fair or "mart" is in 1132. It ran from St. Botolph's Day (12th June) to 24th June. In 1218 a Patent was granted for Boston's Fair. The earliest maps of Boston date from that time and the "Market Place" is indicated on them in its current location.  Once a year the London courts would close so that everyone would have the opportunity to visit Boston during the May Fair, at that time goods which were rare, such as spices and wines, could be bought fresh from the port. The town flourished and Boston Port was recognised as second only to London. 

In 1545 Boston obtained its Charter of Incorporation from Henry VIII, via his son Edward VI. On 1st June, John Robinson took office as the first Mayor of Boston. The 12 aldermen were sworn in, and the Recorder and Town Clerk appointed. Amongst his other roles the mayor was declared "Clerk of the Market".

The original document, beautifully illustrated and with its impressive royal seal, is kept in the Guildhall in South Street.  The charter contains the following reference. "We have granted also... unto the said Mayor and Burgesses, and their successors, that they and their successors, for ever, shall have a free Market twice a week, that is to say, upon the Wednesday and Saturday..." 

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