A new monthly food, drink and craft market is set to be held in Ripley.
Real Food Markets, which runs events in Ilkely, will host the new venture on the last Sunday of each month from April until November.
An additional Christmas market will be held on December 10.
The markets will take place in Ripley Castle courtyard. Entry is free and also includes access to the grounds of the castle and the castle gardens on market days. Entry to the castle is still subject to a charge.

Ripley Castle courtyard, where the market will be held.
Rebecca Riordan, from Ripley Castle Estate, said:
“We are pleased to welcome Real Markets to Ripley Castle this year. We are looking forward to the castle courtyard being full of amazing local talent and produce.
“We are pleased to confirm on Real Market days access to the castle’s gardens and grounds will be free of charge.
“Well behaved dogs on leads will also be welcomed into the courtyard, if you wish to enjoy a castle guided tour a small supplement will be charged. We have chosen to work with Real Markets because of the lovely atmosphere of their markets, and the high quality of the stallholders.”
Lucy Allen, director of Real Markets, added:
“Real Markets’ remit has always been to work hard on behalf of our stallholders and the community and bring people together over great produce and fabulous products in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
“We’re very proud of the range and quality of the stallholders at our markets and these two new venues will be wonderful opportunities for small traders to meet new customers.
“We’re happy to hear from producers who would like to work with us and also charities and community groups local to Ripley or Grassington who would like a free space at our markets to promote their work.”
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Regional Wedding Award presented to Harrogate business
Harrogate Wedding & Events have been awarded the Regional Wedding Award for the Décor category.
Its partner business, DJMikeRobson, won the Regional Wedding Award for the DJ category.
The business, which provides wedding services in Harrogate, won the award for within the Yorkshire and North East region.
It was presented by the Wedding Industry Awards for the year 2022.
The awards bring together businesses in the wedding industry from across the UK and are held every year in London.
Ina Robson, owner of Harrogate Wedding & Events, said:
“We are delighted to receive the award and pride ourselves on excellent customer service. To know this award is also driven from customer feedback, means a lot to us.
“The industry itself has had a very difficult few years, but we are now looking forward to a bright future.“I would like to thank all our clients and DJs for all of their support over the last year, and for helping to make our businesses a great success.”
New managing director appointed at Ripon BID
Lindsay Elizabeth Mcphearson Austin has been appointed as managing director at Ripon BID.
News of the appointment was recently published on Companies House.
The appointment replaces former directors Sheila Webb and Sarah Blenkinsop.
There are currently twelve active directors as a part of the Ripon BID.
BIDs, which are funded by a levy on local firms, aim to increase visitor numbers to towns and cities.
Real Food Harrogate asks for local food producers to join market

Real Food Harrogate market, Crescent Gardens
Real Food Markets is looking for independent food producers to join its Harrogate market.
The not-for-profit organisation operates in both Harrogate and Ilkley and supports local, independent and speciality producers.
Real Food Harrogate is run by a selection of traders and volunteers on Crescent Gardens on the third Sunday of each month from 10-3pm.
Set up in 2022 with the support of Harrogate BID and Harrogate Council, the market has gradually expanded in size.
Now, organisers are looking for local food producers to take part in Real Food Harrogate.
To join their group of traders and volunteers, you can find out more information here.
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- Bettys and Taylors win Queen’s Award for Enterprise
- ‘Right’ for commons to investigate MPs, says Harrogate MP
Send us your firm’s business news and we’ll publish it. Business Breakfast is a daily round-up of all things related to business and the economy in the district. Get in touch at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk
New monthly food market to start this weekend after storm forced cancellationA new monthly food market will take place in Harrogate on Sunday after organisers were forced to cancel last month’s event due to Storm Eunice.
Real Food Markets, a community interest company that has organised a food market in Ilkley for six years, is hosting food and drink and craft stalls on the third Sunday of every month.
The free-to-attend market will be based at Crescent Gardens, opposite the old Harrogate Borough Council offices, and will run from 10am to 3pm.
Lucy Allen, director of Real Food Markets, said:
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Real Food Markets to Harrogate.
“The weather is always unreliable at this time of year, but we’re hoping for a good day on March 20 for all our stallholders and customers.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming people to Real Food Harrogate and showcasing all the amazing local produce and products from the our fabulous stallholders.”
Tomorrow’s market will feature stalls offering cheeses, sushi, sticky toffee puddings, scotch eggs and gluten-free products. There will also be stalls selling products including goat milk soaps, candles, fine art and blankets.
Read more:
- New Harrogate bar for craft beer lovers could be coming soon
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Ms Allen said:
“Visitors to Real Food Ilkley will recognise some of our wonderful stallholders, however we are also introducing some new traders for Harrogate. Although we’re keeping it mainly food and drink, there are a handful of makers as well as the bakers.”
Organisers are still on the lookout for local community groups and charities who would benefit from a free stall space at Real Food Harrogate. Groups must have access to their own gazebo and weights.
Anyone interested in applying for a stall should contact realfoodharrogate@gmail.com
New Harrogate market and popular attractions hit by looming Storm EuniceA new market due to be held in Harrogate on Sunday has been cancelled as the district prepares for another storm.
Yellow weather warnings are in place for snow and wind in the Harrogate district tomorrow.
Real Food Markets, a community interest company that has organised a food market in Ilkley for six years, was due to host its first market in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens on Sunday.
But tomorrow’s impending arrival of Storm Eunice has prompted organisers to cancel it.
A statement from Real Food Markets said:
“We are sorry to announce that our market for February 290will not take place due to dangerous weather conditions.
“Our first Real Food Harrogate will therefore take place on March 20. We sincerely hope to see you there. 10-3pm, Crescent Gardens, Harrogate.”
Read more:
- Harrogate Hydro reduces opening hours due to staff shortages
- New monthly food market coming to Harrogate
Network Rail is advising people not to travel by train in Yorkshire and the north-east tomorrow.
Matt Rice, north and east route director for Network Rail, said:
“We have extra workers out on the network at key locations, ready to react quickly to Storm Eunice and repair the railway wherever it’s safe to do so.”
RHS Harlow Carr announced on social media today that its gardens will be closed tomorrow.
⚠️ CLOSED Friday 18th Feb: Unfortunately, due to the forecast of more high winds, we've taken the decision to close the garden tomorrow. This is for the safety everyone.
We will be monitoring the situation and hope to open on Saturday, so please check back for further updates. pic.twitter.com/Cl8KhpJI8Z
— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 17, 2022
Fountains Abbey said its deer park will close, along with higher paths in the water garden.
The Abbey and Water Garden are open on Fri 18 Feb for quick walks 10am-12pm only. Car parks will close at 1pm. Studley Deer park is CLOSED all day. Visitor centre restaurant (reduced menu) and the shop open 10am-12pm. The higher paths in the water garden are closed all day. pic.twitter.com/KWlUY50zKa
— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 17, 2022
The Stray Ferret will bring you up to date with Storm Eunice developments tomorrow. Keep us informed with developments near you by emailing us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
New monthly food market coming to HarrogateA new monthly food market will take place at Crescent Gardens in Harrogate — and it starts this Sunday.
Real Food Markets, a community interest company that has organised a food market in Ilkley for six years, will be hosting food and drink and craft stalls on the third Sunday of every month.
The free-to-attend market will be based at Crescent Gardens opposite the old Harrogate Borough Council offices and will run from 10am to 3pm.
February’s market will feature stalls offering cheeses, sushi, sticky toffee puddings, scotch eggs and gluten-free products. There will also be stalls selling products including goat milk soaps, candles, fine art and blankets.
Read more:
- Harrogate Hydro reduces opening hours due to staff shortages
- Weather warning of strong winds issued for Harrogate district
Matthew Chapman, Harrogate Business Improvement District manager, said:
“We are delighted to be working with Real Food Markets who are looking to replicate the success they have tasted in Ilkley here in Harrogate. This year, we are hoping to work with a host of different organisations to stage events in Harrogate town centre, which will offer visitors a different experience on each occasion.”
Tim Dabell, event management officer at Harrogate Borough Council, said
“We look forward to working with Lucy and her team in 2022 to encourage the residents of the Harrogate district to shop locally for products in a safe environment. We feel this addition will enhance the whole town centre shopping experience.”
Julia Gabler, owner of Harrogate children’s clothing brand 2 Little Mice, which is among the stallholders, said:
“Our items are ethically made at our Harrogate workshop. While online and retail trading takes up most of our time, we do love to meet our customers face to face and Real Food Harrogate will be a great way to interact with our wonderful customers and show them the faces behind the brand. “