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Real Food Ilkley moves to The Grove
From 1 September 2019 Real Food Ilkley will be held on The Grove on the first Sunday of every month.
The move will enable the market to grow and support even more local and speciality producers, as well providing a platform for existing Ilkley retailers, charities and businesses. More space means a greater range of products, as well as the ability to provide entertainment and be a central community hub.
Regulars, locals and visitors to the town will be familiar with the welcoming market, held since 2016 on South Hawkesworth Street. Real Food Ilkley offers produce from fresh bread, cakes and gluten free bakes to curry sauces, cheeses, condiments and crepes to organic meat and veg, brownies, truffles and herbs from local producers and independent retailers.
In addition to the fabulous selection of local and speciality produce, the market gives away free stall spaces each month to local community groups to help them raise awareness of their activities and engage volunteers. The market’s new, bigger location means the team can increase this offering and the team are encouraging interested community groups to get in touch.
It’s over three years since Real Food Ilkley came to town, bringing an array of amazing local produce and ensuring community was at its heart. Its arrival was the hard work of Ilkley residents Bernie Baldwin and Paula Connor, as well as Lucy Allen, Jeremy Benn, Stephen Butler and Fiona Mann, all volunteers.
It took eighteen months of feasibility studies, applications and research to get the first market off the ground on Mothers’ Day, 2016, Ilkley finally had its own monthly market. Since then, with an invaluable team of volunteers who help out during the market and in the lead up, the monthly market has grown in size, reputation and ambition.
The market is now run by Lucy Allen, Becky Nash and Lee Teal who explain "The move to The Grove is an amazing opportunity, we’re thrilled that Real Food Ilkley will have such a prestigious address! Ilkley is a hub for people who want to make things happen and there is a great range of independent shops, cafes and restaurants in Ilkley now who are working together and supporting each other, the area attracts real talent."
Real Food Ilkley attracts over 1500 people each month from Ilkley and beyond, and hopes to reach even more in its new venue at the heart of the town, offering a fabulous platform for local community groups, producers, and retailers.
Real Food Ilkley takes place on the first Sunday of the month at 10am to 3pm Feb - Dec.
To inquire about stalls (producer and community) please contact ilkleymarket@gmail.com