HUNDREDS of visitors are expected in Skipton for the next two Sundays for the 25th annual, award winning Christmas markets.

Named as the ‘best large speciality market’ in the 2018 Great British Market Awards, the markets will take place on Sunday (December 1) and on Sunday, December 8, from around 10am to 4pm on both days.

The town’s regular market will be in full flow, and there will also be an additional more than 50 stalls featuring some of the region’s favourite artisan makers, crafters and gifts selling a whole range of Christmas-themed products.

Skipton Town Council’s events and tourism manager, Kerry Wheelwright, said: “This year is the 25th anniversary of the Skipton Christmas markets and we have lots of festive entertainment planned for the town. This event is such a key event for retailers and market traders in town we are delighted the event has been going for 25 years and are continuously looking at ways to evolve the event so it can keep going for another 25 years.

“We pride ourselves on the entertainment we provide for the Christmas markets – its what creates the festive atmosphere, the wonderful experience and the memories for event goers.”

She added. “Our team puts a lot of effort in to providing an exceptional entertainment schedule and this year will better than ever before.”

New for this year is the introduction of a live music stage featuring plenty of bands and musicians from the area playing festive songs to keep the crowds entertained. Back Chat Brass will be headlining the stage with their modern and lively take on brass band music, and as usual there will be plenty of walkabout entertainment, a Santa’s grotto, brass bands and carols.

The event will conclude with a torchlight procession and a carol service in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church, at the top of the High Street.

The Skipton Christmas markets are organised by Skipton Town Council, in partnership with Skipton BID which provides some funding for the event.

The High Street will be closed for the event on both days, with diversions in place, there will also be no overnight parking on the setts on Saturday, with the High Street closed to traffic from around 5am.

A fully managed coach drop off point will be provided at Coach Street Car Park.

For more details of the event visit the Skipton Christmas Market Facebook page.