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Alfie Robot Retro's final Ilkley Playhouse Vintage Fair

The Ilkley Playhouse Vintage Fair on Saturday 4th April will be the final fair organised by Jill Coulson of Burley-in-Wharfedale business Alfie Robot Retro.

Having run the event in Ilkley since 2015, Jill has decided that the 20th fair, on Easter Saturday, will be the last one and has promised to go out with a bang.

More than 20 of the best loved traders from the last 19 fairs will return to bring a host of classic vintage fashion, furniture, vinyl, jewellery, ornaments, books, pictures, kitchenware and much more for the town’s retro fans. There will also be a tearoom serving hot and cold drinks and food, run by Ilkley’s very own The Brewer at Number Nine.

Doors will open at 10am for six hours of browsing and nostalgia across the whole of the Ilkley Playhouse site.

[Jill Coulson and Mat Overton, who runs the door for the fair]

Organiser Jill Coulson says it is time to stop after a successful run of fairs:

“I am very proud of the way that Ilkley Vintage Fair has grown over the years and we welcome hundreds of shoppers across the day. It has been extremely hard work, out in all weathers postering and flyering to spread the word. And then there is the nervous wait to see if people will turn up and browse the brilliant stalls. But it is all worth it when I see happy customers heading out the door with their special, unique vintage purchases.

However, I’m determined to try and regain some work-life balance this year and the 20th fair at the Playhouse seems like a good time to bring the curtain down on the event. I’ve made sure that I’ve booked some of the most popular traders from across the north to make sure it’s the best fair yet.”

Trudy Fielding from Bradford based vintage fashion company Vintage Beau is a regular trader at the fair and says:

“Ilkley Vintage Fair has been a highlight and joy to trade at. Such a lovely friendly, fun and warm environment with a great mix of sellers and lovely diverse customers of all ages. Plus delicious cakes at the cafe are an added bonus! Vintage Beau has been very lucky to have stood at this event for over 9 years, so it’s quite a mix of emotions to be trading with Jill from Alfie Robot Retro one last time at Ilkley Vintage Fair.”

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

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