Malton's locally-renowned foodie Christmas market, complete with fairground rides, mulled wines and even a visit from Santa Claus himself, is returning after two years of absence next weekend.
On Saturday 4 December and Sunday 5 December, Malton's picture-perfect Market Place will be transformed into a Christmas paradise and is set to be one of the biggest markets of the year.
The free-to-enter market will be full of festive treats for all the family to enjoy at Yorkshire's locally-famous capital of all things edible.
Think figgy pudding, juicy goose servings and good ol' turkey dinner: this early Christmas dinner will be worth eating a few weekends before the official 25th date.
Whether you're looking for simple and traditional classics like cheese and biscuits or want to start a new Christmas trend, you're guaranteed to find exactly the food your stomach needs here.
Anyway, there will be so many festive activities to get involved in, you're sure to work up an appetite.
From becoming the brass band's latest groupie to greeting the jolly man in red himself at Santa's Grotto, all ages are catered for.
There will even be a land train for children to ride on around the Market, as well as a host of old-school fairground rides, inspired by traditional Victorian rides but with all the health and safety of a contemporary ride.
Once you're dizzy from hurtling about the fair, grab all your gifts for the 25th and shop whilst supporting small independent businesses based in West Yorkshire.
If that isn't enough to tempt you, mulled wine, gin, a range of beers and plenty of tipples will all be available at different stalls across the market and ready for you to grab a glass whenever you like.
The Christmas Markets in Malton are known as one of the stand-out events of the year at Yorkshire's foodie capital. / Image: Event Owl
After a busy day of visiting Santa, whizzing around the fridesand stocking up on presents, unwind with a glass in hand and watch live music from the local brass band and choirs.
The weekend event will run from 9am on Saturday 4 December until Sunday 5 December at 3pm.
The 2019 event was attended by around 20,000 people but due to Covid-related-restrictions, the Malton Christmas Markets did not go ahead in 2020.
Traders interested in attending the event can still apply to host a stall until Tuesday 2 November via the Event Owl website.
It's official, Uniqlo is making its way to Leeds. Well, it's about time isn't it?
You may remember last June that murmurings of Uniqlo opening in Leeds were happening.
The news spread after planning documents appeared for new ‘Uniqlo’ signage on the Store House building on Briggate.
We've been keeping our fingers crossed that the news was actually true, and it is.
Uniqlo themselves have confirmed that three new stores will be popping up across the UK over the next two years, with one of them being right here in Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Their first store of the roll-out opened in Birmingham's Bullring, followed by a new store in Bristol this year.
Leeds was also meant to open this year, but unfortunately, Uniqlo has announced things are delayed and its opening will be pushed into 2027.
The Leeds store will be 1,100 square metres and will be located on Briggate in the old House of Fraser site.
CGI mockups from firms Thirty One Design and Ink Associates include the glass fronted store with Uniqlo’s signature red signage hanging above the door and off the building.
These will be made from sheet metal with a “sprayed finish” – sounds pretty swanky if you ask us.
Uniqlo UK COO Alessandro Dudech stated: "Uniqlo remains committed to strengthening its presence within the UK retail sector by expanding both our physical store network and ecommerce capabilities nationwide.
"As part of this strategic initiative, we look forward to introducing Uniqlo to the communities and visitors in the North of England, at the new Leeds location and simultaneously reaching customers in the South West in Bristol's Cabot Circus.".
Uniqlo is known for its affordable and minimalist clothing, stocking everything from raincoats and puffer jackets to jeans and a wide range of accessories.
We’ll keep you updated on the timeframe, as to be honest we’re just as excited as you are to be welcoming Uniqlo to the high street.
Police urgently appeal after teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over bank holiday weekend
Emily Sergeant
Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over the bank holiday weekend.
West Yorkshire Police explained that officers were called out to Roundhay Road at around at 6:05pm on Monday 31 August following reports that a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed, and once they arrived on the scene, the victim was located and subsequently taken to hospital, where he received treatment for an injury described as non-life-threatening.
Police say the incident occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival, but are keen to assure the public that they believe this was an 'isolated and targeted' act.
Following further enquiries, it is now believed that the actual offence occurred on Shepherd’s Lane, potentially near the junction with Back Hares Avenue.
Investigating officers have released information on the suspect and identified several people they are keen to speak to.
As the police investigation is ongoing, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Hartley commented: "This is clearly a concerning incident in which a young teenage boy has suffered a significant stab wound.
"We have extensive enquiries ongoing, including house to house enquiries and reviewing CCTV. We are conscious though that this offence has occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival and there will have been a large number of people in the vicinity who may not necessarily be from the Chapeltown area.
“The suspect for this offence is described as being male, around 15-16 years-old and was wearing a balaclava. He was with two girls. We are keen to speak to anyone who believes they may have seen this group in the area or who witnessed any part of this incident.
"Although this was a serious incident, our enquiries so far suggest it was an isolated and targeted act... [and] we remain focused on identifying those responsible and providing reassurance to the community."
Can you help? Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds CID online, or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13260496572.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sophie Smith -
29th October 2021 
