Leeds Kirkgate Market to host its first ever three day festival

Leeds Kirkgate Market are to hold a three day festival between 27^th – 29^th September for the first time ever.

The festival, named Kirkgate Market Festival or #KMFest, will be shining the spotlight on a collection of retailers, artists, designers and makers that all make Kirkgate Market one of the most recognisable and best loved landmarks in the city.

Visitors will have the chance to watch inspiring food demonstrations, try their hand at chocolate making, take advantage of special discounts, be entertained with live music and much more.

The festival will also allow visitors to meet the traders, designers, artists and makers and see for themselves what an amazing experience it is to shop at the market. Many traders will be offering fun challenges and activities specifically for children, so there will be plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.

As part of the festival, the market will also be joining in the world’s biggest coffee morning on Friday 28 September. Hosted by Leeds City Council’s Day Opportunities service, the coffee morning will take place in the events space of the market between 10:30am – 1:30pm and is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Here you will be able to have a chat, make friends, eat cake and gain information on how to care for your health and wellbeing.

There will also be an Indian Food and Drink Festival taking place at Kirkgate Market Festival which will showcase some of Yorkshire’s brightest culinary talents and multi-sensory dining experiences. There will be fantastic food, live cooking, food sampling, health and education talks, live music and much more on offer. You will be able to find the Indian Food and Drink Festival in the food hall and events space of the market on Saturday 29 September between 10am – 5pm.

All of this is set within the largest indoor market in Europe with over 400 traders providing a diverse range of goods, so there is the opportunity to grab a bargain or two all under one roof.

Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s deputy executive member with responsibility for markets, said:

“We’re really excited for the first ever Kirkgate Market Festival which is happening at the end of the week. It’s a highly unique opportunity for visitors to get to know the market traders and take advantage of all the special offers and activities that will be happening over the three days.

“Kirkgate Market is such a fantastic landmark in our city and so it’s great to celebrate it and all the market traders within it. It promises to be a fantastic few days for all ages to enjoy.”

More information at www.facebook.com/LeedsMarkets/ and @LeedsMarkets.

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Joely Ewbank, Leeds City Council press office

Tel: 01133782355Email: joely.ewbank@leeds.gov.uk