Fair’s buy local message to avoid being a ‘clone town’

Organised by Ilkley Business Forum, there will be stalls, gifts, crafts and local services available, as well as a range of food and drink demonstrations at the King’s Hall, Ilkley.

Vera Woodhead, chair of the Ilkley Business Forum, said: “We don’t want our community to become a ‘clone town’, where the high street looks like every other high street with the same row of retail chains and fast food shops.

“The variety of our local independent shops is an integral part of the distinctive character of our town.

“It brings in tourists and shoppers and when they come to visit, they want something that offers them the sense of being somewhere unique and not just any homogenised place. We are striving to keep it vibrant and extraordinary.”

The event will feature art from Ilkley Art Trail and lifestyle advice including a flower arrangement master class from Green Room Florist.

Michael Vanheste from Bettys Cookery School will be demonstrating how to cook a Swiss breakfast.

Visit http://ilkleybusinessforum.co.uk/programme-buy-local-fair/ for more information.