What is Cittaslow?

Aylsham is the oldest established Cittaslow town in the UK – the only one in England and only one of three in the UK; the other two, Llangollen and Mold, are in Wales.

Cittaslow  (pronounced “cheetah slow”) is Italian for “Slow Town or City” and is part of a cultural trend known as the Slow Movement, set up in the 1990s by some mellow Italians to help combat the stress of modern life.

It aims to preserve the values of our market town to be a quality place to live and thrive by helping create a people-friendly urban environment and enhance the quality of life with a particular focus on engaging more deeply with local heritage, nature, culture and history.

The foundation of the movement is Slow Food, which promotes local food from growers, suppliers and traders – and Aylsham can also boast an active branch of this international group.

The Town Council's Cittaslow Committee meets every month to discuss the activities and matters relating to Aylsham's participation in the Cittaslow movement.

Cittaslow values

·        Community decision-making

·        Caring for the environment

·        Support for local products and business

·        Time for leisure and pleasure

·        Unique Aylsham events

·        Community networks

·        Working for a sustainable future

·        Encouraging young people

·        Healthy lifestyle

·        Valuing our elderly

·        Preserving traditional food

·        Community and council working together

·        Local markets and local products

·        Preserving Aylsham's heritage

·        Controlled growth for Aylsham's urban planning

·        Quality of life for all