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Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Kristian Johnson

Fascinating Leeds footage from 1983 shows long-forgotten stalls at bustling Kirkgate Market

The fascinating video above reveals what Kirkgate Market looked like almost 40 years ago.

Filmed on a handhold camera by Leeds-born resident Michael Denton, 71, it offers an insight into what life was like in the bustling market back in the day.

The footage was shot during one of Michael's visits back to the Leeds in 1967, several years after he emigrated to Canada as an 18-year-old.

"It was always fascinating for me on return journeys back to UK to go and visit my old haunts," said Michael, who lived in both Ireland Wood and Moor Allerton as a youngster.

The six-minute video takes a tour around the entire market as Michael speaks to butchers, fresh fruit and veg stall holders and carpet salesmen.

Michael said: "I held my camera above my head which is why some people are looking up.

"A camcorder in 1983 wasn't exactly a popular thing!"

Kirkgate Market has known many incarnations since it was built in 1857, but a recent £13 million overhaul in 2016 means it is now a vastly different place to what it was like during Michael's visit.

The biggest change was the introduction of the Market Kitchen and Event Space, which is home to street food businesses and several big events throughout the year.

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