Creative Space Management has been selected by ISIS to run a programme of animation and events at Granary Wharf throughout 2010.  The programme, which is funded through an innovative community service charge contributed by City Inn, residents and retail businesses at Granary Wharf begins with a regular series of monthly Pannier Markets targeted at an eclectic mix of independent designer makers and producers.   Other events pencilled in for the summer include Urban Storytelling events, World Wide Knit in Public Day, Leeds Loves Food festival and a series of outdoor art and entertainment to run alongside. 

Granary Wharf is set, once again, to become a bustling waterside location for everyone to enjoy. A new programme of art events are to be launched, including Yorkshire’s first Pannier Markets on the newly completed canal side starting on Saturday
Previously known and loved for the Festival Market made up of independent shops and stalls, Granary Wharf has recently undergone a huge transformation. New developments include contemporary hotel, City Inn, and other commercial opportunities in the historic arches, ground level of the striking cylindrical Candle House, and copper clad Waterman’s Place. On offer is high end waterside living with a range of studios, including one and two bed apartments.

The Granary Wharf Pannier Markets will be held on a new public square between the railway arches and the freshly restored graving docks on the last Saturday of each month from April to September inclusive.

The Pannier Markets are designed to attract stalls from a broad range of independent traders including fashion and jewellery designers, specialist food producers, artists, antique dealers – anyone with original, unusual and good quality products for sale is encouraged to apply for a stall.

Toby Hyam from Creative Space Management commented: “This year Granary Wharf will become an animated, alternative public place in the city. Working docks and boating facilities sit alongside markets and events, bringing a diversity of shopping opportunities, creative outlets and food and drink options to the area, alongside a showcase of original, talented artists and performers.

“Established businesses Wasabi Teppanyaki, City Inn with its popular bars the Granary Lounge and SkyLounge and most recently Ossett Brewery pub The Hop all contribute to making Granary Wharf a hub for privately run businesses and a destination in its own right in the heart of Leeds.”

Each Granary Wharf Pannier Market will also be buzzing with a programme of arts events. Described by Andy Warhol as ‘hot’, pop artist Mark Wigan has built up a cult following all over the world and is known particularly for his illustrative and photographic work with NME and iD magazines, and nightclub murals.
 
On Saturday 24th April, Wigan will be producing a new piece of illustrative art at Granary Wharf on a specially built 3D structure, as well as showcasing and selling previous work like his own books.

Local storyteller, Joe Collins, will also be there to introduce a new series of urban story walks, initially based around Granary Wharf and the Dark Arches. These stories are original tales which have never been told in this way before, compiled from anecdotes and fables gathered by Collins over many years.  Together, they will tour around key locations on Granary Wharf, entertaining, enlightening and exploring with the visitors, the history and significance of the area.