Offie Mag

The Old Market in Hove has launched a major fundraising campaign to celebrate its 200th birthday, aiming to raise £100,000 by the end of 2025 to fund essential upgrades and ensure the venue’s long-term future.

Founded all the way back in 1825 as a covered marketplace to sell meat, fish and vegetables, The Old Market has seen nine British Monarchs, The Albion climb all the way up to the Premier League, and Brighton and Hove formally become a city.

Now operating as a charitable trust, the venue is marking its double milestone—200 years of the building and one year as a registered charity—with a public callout for support. Management of the venue transferred to The Old Market Charitable Trust in April 2024, with the aim of maintaining its independence and community focus.

“The reality is that independent grassroots venues like ours are facing unprecedented challenges,” said Executive Director Nic Connaughton. “We’re asking our community to consider giving us a birthday present we won’t forget—your support is crucial in securing TOM’s future for generations to come.”

Today, The Old Market hosts over 200 events annually, from live music and theatre to comedy, film, and digital arts. Performers like Fatboy Slim, Kano, Katherine Ryan, Nish Kumar and Sara Pascoe have all appeared on its stage.

But the venue also plays a key role in supporting emerging talent and the wider local arts ecosystem. Contributions of any size to the campaign are welcomed via TOM’s official website.

Words by Louis Rowland