LOVERS of retro from across Yorkshire and beyond will flock to town on Saturday, April 9th, as Ilkley Playhouse hosts its 12th vintage fair.

Doors will open at the Weston Road venue at 10am on the day of the fair, inviting shoppers to explore a wide range of wares from 20 traders, including vintage clothing, homeware, kitchenware, furniture, toys, vinyl, and many more retro items.

Some of the top vintage sellers from the north of England will be in attendance at Ilkley Vintage Fair, with a host of returning favourites joined by newcomers making their Ilkley debuts.

Jill Coulson, of Burley-in-Wharfedale based vintage firm Alfie Robot Retro, has run the fair since it began in 2015 and is excited for the 9th April. “Ilkley Vintage Fair is always a great occasion and can’t wait to welcome vintage fans back to Ilkley Playhouse,” she said.

Jill insists that vintage is more relevant than ever. “‘Vintage’ generally refers to items produced between the 1920s and 1980s,” said Jill, “it was a time when goods were built to last, which is why so many people prefer to buy a great quality pre-loved item than a new version that might fall apart within months. With the cost of new items rising at a rapid rate, and people really wanting to cut down on waste, buying vintage is a truly sustainable alternative.”

When asked what shoppers can expect on the day, Jill says: “there will be so much variety on offer. From Biba dresses to Hornsea Pottery, a wealth of vinyl records to Ercol coffee tables. We make sure we cater for all tastes and all budgets.”

Vintage fashion stalwart Trudy Fielding of Vintage Beau, whose men’s and women’s clothing selection has proved popular at all 11 of the previous events, will return to the Playhouse once again. “I’d never miss Ilkley Vintage Fair,” says Bradford-based Trudy, “it has a really special atmosphere. Whether you are a hardcore vintage fan or just curious to check out what is on offer, there will be something for you thanks to the wide range of different traders at the Playhouse.”

New to the fair this time around is Ilkley-based art seller Edge Art. The business sources and frames vintage pieces and will bring a selection of works to wow visitors to the fair. Paula McKie of Edge Art says: “We have music sheets, magazine covers, original art works, plates from both vintage children’s and natural history books – typically birds and trees – and even vintage wrapping-paper on offer! You will also find handmade one-off greeting-cards using original vintage printed content on our stall, and books from across the decades too.”

Ilkley Vintage Fair takes place at Ilkley Playhouse on Saturday, April 9th. Doors are open from 10am until 4pm and entry is £1 per person (under 16s are free).