ILKLEY'S fine food and local produce markets will ring with the sound of music and entertainment as part of a new initiative.

Building on the success of Real Food Ilkley, organisers have arranged for future markets to have musicians, entertainment, demos and talks.

Producers, chefs, retailers, musicians and performing groups will be seen at the market in coming months.

Menston musician Dave Willis will take centre stage on August 7, performing a selection of his own material and covers on his acoustic guitar between 10.30am and 3pm.

Families with young children will be able to discover facts behind the food if they pick up a Real Fun Family Food Trail at the information desk. The new foodie trail will help them find out about the produce and producers at the market. In addition, those handing in a completed and correct form will be rewarded with treats from stallholders, including freshly baked brownies.

Real Food Ilkley director, Paula Connor, said the markets had received a positive welcome from residents and tourists to Ilkley.

"It is crucial, not just in the summer months, but beyond, that we step up and provide that bit extra to add to the market," she added.

"We are talking to some great Yorkshire names about talks and demos for this year and next, I'm very excited about the future and can't wait to announce who we have in the next few months."

In addition, the two new community stalls booked for the August market are Dan's Den and Ilkley and District Good Neighbours. Run as a soft play centre, Dan's Den is a not-for-profit charitable company, which reaches out to all children and their families within the Ilkley and Bradford community, regardless of faith or personal circumstance. Ilkley and District Good Neighbours befriends the elderly and vulnerable with shopping, home and gardening assistance, excursions, over-90s parties and delivery of Christmas parcels.

Real Food Ilkley is held in South Hawksworth Street, behind the Black Hat Pub every first Sunday of the month, except January and February, and features fine, artisan, locally-produced food and drink.

Tweet @realfoodilkley or visit facebook/ilkleyfoodmarket to find out more.

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