It won’t be long now before Kirkstall Cloisters Christmas market opens for festive shoppers, writes Ramona Green.
If you find that you need to do a little more Christmas shopping, why not pick up some gifts from here and support your local community at the same time?
The fun begins on Friday, December 13 at 11am and carries on through until Sunday December 15 at 10.30pm. As the name suggests, it is being held at Kirkstall Abbey on Abbey Road, inside the cloisters.
Kirkstall Abbey, an abandoned Cistercian monastery that has obvious signs of being ravaged by time, is one of Leeds’ historical landmarks.
The perfect choice some might say for a “Magical Spectacular”, words used to describe this year’s market by Adele Rae, Kirkstall Valley Development Trust’s community director.
Ms Rae said all of the stalls, workshops and bar will be undercover in marquees.
There will be craft and gift stalls as well as craft workshops for both adults and children, singalongs, messy play from Little Learners, independent food providers and live music throughout the day and into the evening.
The Cloisters Bar will be serving mulled wine, special cocktails and the hugely popular hand-pulled ales from Kirkstall Brewery.
KVDT stepped in at the last minute to organise and run the 2019 Christmas Market after another provider had to pull out.
Ms Rae said they are grateful for help and support from Abbey staff and Kirkstall Festival.
Their main objective for doing this is to “bring local communities together and supporting our local people and their talents.”
It is also a fantastic bonus that all funds raised from this event will go straight to KVDT and the “running of Unit 11 (on the Bridge Shopping Centre) which offers a range of affordable activities for all ages”.
The whole affair is volunteer-run and KVDT would be delighted to welcome new volunteers to help out before, during and after the Christmas Market or for any other of the exciting projects they are working on to improve the Kirkstall Valley.
If you would like to know more about the organisation you can visit the KVDT website or follow them on Facebook @Unit11kvdt.
Tickets are available online here.
Contact Adele Rae if you are interested in volunteering or have any ideas in regards to Kirkstall Christmas market 2019.
E-mail adele.rae@kvdt.org.uk or call 07900 986570.