After 25 Years Otley Farmers Market Moves to Twice Monthly
Marking 25 years on Otley Market Square this year, Otley Farmers Market, which takes place in Otley Market Square, is to run on the second and the last Sunday of the month, celebrating the best of local and speciality producers and makers.
The market, which started in 2000 offering space to local and specialist producers, makers and traders, also offers support to various local community initiatives by regular donations and giving free space for fundraising and awareness.
Real Markets who also run successful regular markets in Ilkley, Harrogate, Grassington, Ripley Castle and Saltaire, took the decision to increase the market after the waiting list for Otley Farmers Market grew longer with large numbers of quality trader applications.
Katie Burnett, Chair of Otley BID Ltd said "Otley Business Improvement District is delighted that Real Markets will be hosting two Sunday Farmers Markets a month in our historic marketplace. We know from our research that every time the farmers market is in town the footfall increases dramatically and this is a great way of showing that nearly 800 years since Otley was given its Market Charter it still is very much a market town. Congratulations to the team at Real Markets."
“Otley Farmers Market is very special and it is a real honour to be located at the heart of the town in the historic Market Square.” Real Markets director Lucy Allen said, “Increasing the frequency of this much-loved market seemed a perfect celebration of the its 25th year. The original line-up of Otley Farmers Market which runs on the last Sunday of the month will not change, customers will continue to see their favourite traders. However, on the second Sunday of the month customers may see some of their favourite stalls but also a selection of new ones too.”
Known as “Yorkshire’s Friendliest Markets”, Real Markets was established to offer a positive community hub, bring expert producers and makers together, while also supporting local community initiatives and charities.
The extra Otley market will feature a large range of producer stallholders from bread, cheese, jams, preserves, and pies, to cakes, fresh fish, brownies, fresh coffee, as well as food to go, art, candles, homeware, soaps, gifts and more.
Lucy adds: “Real Markets’ remit has always been to work hard on behalf of our stallholders and the community and bring people together over great produce and fabulous products in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. We’re very proud of the range and quality of the stallholders at our markets and this new date will be a wonderful opportunity for local traders to meet new customers. We’re happy to hear from producers who would like to work with us and also charities and community groups local to Otley who would like a free space at our markets to promote their work.”
Anyone interested to learn more should visit www.realmarkets.co.uk or email info@realmarkets.co.uk
Leeds Inspired celebrates all things pop up with our Markets in Leeds collection page here.