The two-day event will feature live music, dancing, children's entertainment and the conclusion of the Quicken Trust's 40-hour charity static bike ride.

And, despite their previous concerns about possible bad weather and the effects of the credit crunch, French market traders have agreed to come over to sell their wares, including chocolate, cheeses, bread and olives.

Many of the town centre's shops will also be open and the High Street will be closed to traffic for the whole weekend, allowing visitors to walk unimpeded among the stalls.

Entertainment comes in the form of live music from the likes of the Eastbourne Pipe Band, the Brighton Accordion Players and Dr Bone and the Rhythm Boys, plus displays from the Long Man Morris Dancers.

For the children there will be face painting, a circus workshop, a magic show and a Punch and Judy show.

The town's mayor Ian Haffenden said the Charter Market would be good entertainment for both young and old.

He told the Gazette, "I'm delighted that all the participants are now able to come.

"People will be able to enjoy the many stalls, selling both foreign and local wares, and take part in the number of activities going on.

"It should be a fun day for everyone and young through to old will enjoy themselves."

The Charter Market also coincides with the Quicken Trust's static charity bike ride in Vicarage Field, in aid of orphans in the Ugandan village of Kabubbu.

The 40-hour marathon, which gets underway at 11am on Friday, sees teams of four or more pedal on a static exercise bike for an hour apiece.

Among the competitors are 16 youngsters and staff from the Square Youth Cafe, the third time a team from the youth project has taken part.

Andy Joyes, of the Square Youth Cafe, said, "The Bike Ride for Uganda is something our whole community should get involved in, be it physically taking part in one of the teams or supporting the fundraising effort financially.

"It will be a challenge for the young people from The Square but our team spirit is high and everyone is keen to outdo our 2007 efforts.

"We are confident of helping the Quicken Trust achieve its fundraising target this year. Let's just hope the weather is kind to us."

The previous seven static bike rides have raised a total of £115,000 towards providing schools, health facilities and clean water supplies to Kabubbu.

Organisers are hoping to raise £13,000 this time round.
For more information on the Charter Market, contact Hailsham Town Council on 841702 and for full details of the Quicken Trust bike ride, call Gillian on 832361.