ILKLEY'S new speciality fine food market will finally get underway in the town centre on Mother's Day, Sunday March 6.

Following a long-running campaign, and a consultation with the community, local food producers and sellers have confirmed the first of their monthly food markets will be held in March.

The market will be held just off the town centre's South Hawksworth Street car park, from 10.30am to 3pm.

Stalls already involved range from handmade Yorkshire artisan cheeses, chutneys from Ilkley and fruit liquors from Addingham, to authentic Indian sauces from Leeds, and award-winning gluten-free cakes from Burley-in-Wharfedale with more local producers and businesses signing up to offer charcuterie, sweet treats and bread.


Each month, organisers are planning to have a different food theme, with live demonstrations and tastings. March will focus on healthy eating and features a demonstration from a guest expert, as well as activities for children.
Set up as a Community Interest Company (CIC), Real Food Ilkley operates on a not-for-profit basis through a team of volunteers who aim to support local food businesses and open the communication between producer and consumer about the origins and heritage of local produce.


Paula Connor, a partner from Real Food Ilkley, said: "People often think Ilkley was and is a market town, but in truth it has never had its own permanent market. However with the amount of amazing produce and talented producers based within reach of our famous Moor it certainly deserves one."


She added: "Public support has been overwhelming since we started our campaign and we're thrilled the market is now going ahead."
The plan is to run the market for ten months each year, with time off in January and February.


As well as providing an outlet for local suppliers and producers, it is hoped the market will provide a launch pad for new start up small businesses, and could also serve as a regular community get-together, which community organisations can get involved in.


Organisers are keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in running at a stall at one of the markets.
Visit facebook.com/ilkleyfoodmarket/ or contact the Real Food Ilkley team on realfoodilkley@gmail.com for more details.