Popular market returns to Leeds abbey

Picture caption: Kirkstall Abbey Market is a great event for all the family to enjoy.



A popular market held in the grounds of one of the city’s most popular visitor attractions will be opening its gates again for business this weekend.



Returning for a fifth year, a range of high quality products will once again be available at the Kirkstall Abbey Market on the weekend of the 28 and 29 March from 12noon-3pm. Boasting up to 50 stalls, the market is regarded as a perfect place to visit to find high quality local produce, food and drink, plants, handmade crafts, collectables, vintage treasures, jewellery, artwork and household items from across Yorkshire.



Open on the last Saturday and Sunday of each month until November 2015 don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy the delights of the market as you also take in the wonderful scenery of the abbey’s 12th century Cistercian ruins.



Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for digital and creative technologies, culture and skills said:



"The market at Kirkstall Abbey has proved to a big hit with visitors of all ages, and we are delighted to welcome back the event for the first time in 2015 this weekend.



"As always a range of fantastic delights will be on offer in all of the 50 plus stalls available, and if you have not the chance to visit before, then this is your chance to find out what all the fuss is about."



Mark Kilvington, market organiser and licence holder of Kirkstall Abbey Deli and Crafts & Collectables Market said:



"Last summer was absolutely fantastic for the markets and it was great to see them becoming busier and busier each month.



"We look forward to welcoming all of our wonderful stall holders back again for another successful year and hope that all our visitors, both returning and new, have an enjoyable day out each time they visit."



Notes to editors:



Entry to the markets is free and will be held on the following weekends in 2015:



Dates of markets this year:



Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 March

Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 April

Saturday 30 & Sunday 31 May

Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 June

Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 July

Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 August

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 September

Saturday October31 & Sunday 1 November

Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 November



For more details on the markets, please see:



www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/Kirkstall-Abbey.aspx



Kirkstall Abbey is one of the most complete Cistercian monasteries in Britain. Founded in 1152 by Cistercian monks, Kirkstall was a religious centre in Yorkshire until 1539 when it was closed by Henry VIII during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.



Visitors can explore the abbey ruins to discover where the monks worked, lived and prayed over 800 years ago, from the majesty of the church to the peace of the cloisters.



The Visitor Centre is home to displays about the abbey, which include dressing up and a shop selling unique bespoke products. Entrance to Kirkstall Abbey is Free. There are regular events at the abbey throughout the year, including the Kirkstall Festival every July.



For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk