IT is that time of year again and in two weeks, the first Malton Monthly Food Market hits the town’s Market Place once more.

On March 14, Yorkshire’s finest local food market returns when there will be great food, live demonstrations, music, free tea and coffee and a very jolly atmosphere.

In short, a top day out and it takes place every second Saturday of the month.

A few years ago this event was once a season and many were sceptical that it could run monthly, yet now, apart from chilly January and February, it is a once a month do.

Like its sister event, the annual Malton Food Lovers Festival in May, the monthly market has taken time to build in popularity, but it is thrilling to see that it is gaining each year with bigger crowds.

This month, we are delighted to welcome back MasterChef finalist Saira Hamilton, who will be presenting live cookery demonstrations.

The Monthly Food Market will join up with the Yorkshire Cajun and Zydeco Festival, so naturally Cajun chefs Janice Appleton and Sue Cummins will be cooking up a southern storm teaching the crowds about traditional jambalaya.

We have always been clear to make it “more than just a market” and this year is no exception.

As well as the live demonstrations and music, food tastings and great producers, we are expecting a bigger street food area with seating for people to stop and soak up the fun.

There was a time when all this produce went sent straight to London to be sold in fancy shops or at Borough Market. No longer.

Visitors and locals alike can come, taste and buy these Yorkshire treats right in the heart of Yorkshire.

What is interesting is that more and more of the products are “Made In Malton”. Brass Castle was the first and they will be joined by other local producers who are moving into Talbot Yard, the 18th century coaching yard just across from the Talbot Hotel.

Visitors will be able to come and see the food production process and no doubt taste some locally-produced food too.

More Made in Malton producers are lined up, which will help to give the monthly market its authenticity. It would be thrilling to think that in a few years the market could be made up of many more Made In Malton producers.

And maybe (if the demand is there) the food market should aim to be every Saturday. Who knows.

Something that didn’t exist a few years ago is giving visitors another reason to come and enjoy Malton. What is exciting is that there are a growing number of other reasons to come to town.

As well as weekly lessons in Malton Cookery School – the seafood courses seem the most popular by the way – the Beertown Beer Festival is going to be fantastic later in the month and the Tour de Yorkshire passes through our area in May.

Malton Monthly Food Market runs every second Saturday of the month. Next market is March 14.