By Lara King
Shoppers flocked to Horsforth Farmers’ Market on Saturday (4 October) and toasted the
market’s 13th birthday with drinks, cakes and general joy!
The inclement weather, brought on by Storm Amy, failed to put people off, although it meant the market moved from its usual spot in the grounds of St Margaret’s School to inside beautiful St Margaret’s Church.
The market welcomed its usual array of stall holders, selling everything from bakery items to Indian food, pasta, fish and even marshmallows. Music was provided by the Joy Choir and Horsforth Music Centre, there were drawing activities for the children, and a free tombola from Fairtrade Horsforth.
At 11am there was a pause for speeches from Duncan Stow, Market Manager, and
Councillor Gill Garvani, Chair of Horsforth Town Council, and presentations of cheques for
local charities.
This was followed by delicious free cakes, provided by stallholder Headingley Country Markets, and non-alcoholic sparkling wine, to round off the festivities.
Duncan Stow reflected on the market’s success: “A few of us from Horsforth Churches Together had the idea to do something that brought the community together and supported local businesses.
“We’ve been delighted how it has flourished, and we’re so grateful to the local community for their support over the last 13 years.
“It’s also been a pleasure to support local businesses and help them thrive. Most of our
producers are from within a 30-mile radius, and it’s lovely to see their continued success.
“Slow Rise Bakery, now based on New Road Side, had a stall with us in their early days, and went on to establish premises in the area. It gives businesses a chance to experiment and see what works, while shoppers can sample an exciting range of local produce.”
The market, a community run not-for-profit venture, runs on the first Saturday of every
month, apart from January, 9am to 12.30pm. There are usually 21 stall holders and it occupies two adjacent spots in the car parks of St Margaret’s School, Town Street, Horsforth.
Regular market goer Daniel Reddington said: “We try to come every month. I love the bread, samosas and freshly brewed coffee and my daughter loves the games that are on. It’s always a really nice atmosphere.”
The final markets of 2025 are on 1 November and 6 December. For more information go to
www.horsforthfarmersmarket.co.uk.
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