TO allow shoppers extra time to browse and get all their Christmas presents and food, Bradford Council-run markets across the district will be extending their opening hours.

The usual opening hours for the Oastler Market on John Street are Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 5pm. The amended hours are Saturday December 21 8am to 5pm, Sunday December 22 10am to 4pm and Christmas Eve Tuesday December 24 8am to 5pm. The market will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

The Kirkgate Market which is attached the Kirkgate Shopping Centre will be open as usual 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. It will also be open on Sunday December 22 from 10.30am to 4.30pm. It will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Keighley Market will be open as usual Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 8.30am to 5pm and Tuesday 8.30am to 2pm. The amended hours are Sunday December 22 10am to 4pm. It will also be open on Christmas Eve 8.30am to 4pm (from 7.30am for butchers only) and New Year’s Eve 8.30am to 5pm. It will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Bradford and Keighley Markets to host festive events

The three markets have over 100 stalls between them. With their selection of delis, butchers, fishmongers, fruit and veg stalls shoppers are sure to be able to find all the food they need for the festive season.

The markets also have children’s, men’s and ladies clothing as well as lingerie, nightwear and hosiery for a gift or as a treat. All the markets have a range of beauty, hair and nail stalls for people to pamper themselves and help them to get ready for Christmas parties.

Stalls with gift and crafts, jewellery, leather goods and bags have plenty of ideas for what to get loved ones including pets for Christmas. The Kirkgate Market has a fantastic joke and fancy dress stall as well as a tattoo artist.

The markets have an abundance of cafes and tempting street food stalls to refresh after a long shopping trip.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “Whether it’s festive food for the big day or Boxing Day or gifts for your family and friends there’s something for everyone at our markets especially in the run up to Christmas.

“It’s such a busy time of year, so I’m sure these extended opening hours at our markets will be welcomed by shoppers.”