DARLEY Street Market is to officially open this Thursday, ahead of its celebration weekend.

It comes after earlier announcements about the market’s special weekend of celebration events, which will take place this Saturday and Sunday.

A ribbon will be cut on Thursday to mark the opening of the venue to the public. 

Traders will be joined by the leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, executive member for regeneration, planning and transport and other dignitaries for the event.

Sifte Hassan from Ann’s Haberdashery, who has provided the ribbon for the opening, said: “We were honoured to be asked to supply the ribbon to mark such a momentous occasion as this.

“Our family have been trading in Bradford since 2005, and my family has grown up with the market.

“There has been a real resurgence in people wanting to do knitting and handicraft work so being able to take my business forward in this new market is really exciting.”

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw said: “We’re opening the market on Thursday 10 July ahead of the weekend of celebrations to allow the traders to get into the swing of things with their new stalls.

“The weekend is going to be so busy, it was important to give traders the time with a soft launch of two days during the week.

“We can’t wait to open the doors of Darley Street Market and welcome people in to start using the space.

“There are some fantastic stalls selling amazing produce and goods.

“The top floor, Darley Street Kitchen with its outdoor terrace, is raring to go with its offer of food from around the world along with the two cafés on the ground floor which open out on to the spectacular Courtyard event space.  

“We’ve a really good mix of traders including some old faces from the Kirkgate and Oastler Markets, as well as people starting new businesses or expanding their business. 

“If you can come along on the 10 or 11 July to support the traders in the run up to the weekend of celebration events, we’ll be delighted to welcome you.” 

Darley Street Market will be open to the public from 10.30am on Thursday.

The opening hours for the market will then be 9am to 5.30pm, seven days a week for the Fresh Food and Lifestyle Halls.

Darley Street Kitchen will be open 11am until 9pm Monday to Thursday, 11am to 10pm Friday and Saturday and 11am to 8pm on Sunday.