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.
Meadowhall has just welcomed a brand-new JD Sports Store - and it is absolutely mega.
Trainer and sportswear lovers, this one's for you as JD Sports has just opened the doors to its newest store.
Located in Meadowhall shopping centre on the Lower Level of the High Street, the new store is almost triple its previous size and spans a whopping 29,225 sq ft.
Shoppers can now browse an ever bigger selection of clothing, footwear and sportswear from big brands like Nike, Montirex, New Balance, Adidas and Berghaus just to name a few.
Image: The Sheff
To make your shopping experience even smoother, the new store features self-service tills so you can be in and out within a flash.
To celebrate the opening, Chunkz and Kenny from popular Youtube collective Beta Squad officially opened the store today and held a meet and greet for fans.
Image: The Sheff
And the celebrations don't stop there, as from Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 August customers can get involved in JD's Spin-to-Win, with the chance to win gift cards, trainers and JD-branded merchandise.
Not only that, but Montirex will be hosting games all-weekend-long.
And if you can't make it that weekend, then do not fear. As on Friday 7 - Sunday 9 August, The Crep Protect truck will be rolling into Meadowhall giving out free goodie bags for customers who sign up to JD Status and follow Crep Protect.
Image: The Sheff
Sneaker Throne will also be offering a shoe-cleaning experience, with demonstrations showing customers how to keep their trainers fresh using products available in-store and goodie bags will be on offer which will also include tokens to play the Cop & Flop game.
So, what are you waiting for? We'll see you there for a fresh new fit.
Shortlist for 2026 Mercury Prize announced with several northern names making the cut
Clementine Hall
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
Sophie Smith -
29th October 2021 
