Easter Market

Carlisle hosts the 'tastes of Europe'

(Date of issue: Monday, 6 April 2009)

Shoppers in Carlisle wanting to taste the 'real flavour of Europe' will be able to sample a shopping experience not to be missed this Easter bank holiday weekend.

A continental market, arranged by Carlisle City Council in partnership with Market Place Europe Ltd, will include a variety of stalls from Europe and will be open to the public, for an extended period, between this Thursday (9 April) and Easter Monday (13 April), in the city centre pedestrianised shopping area.

Back after popular demand, the market last visited Carlisle at Christmas to resounding success and will include more than 40 stalls from the far reaches of Europe. Goods will include sausage and salamis from Germany and France, freshly baked French apple tarts, meringues and biscuits from the wonderful Breton Patisserie, Julian Jimenez from Cordoba in Spain with his authentic paella cooked to his mother's recipe and beers, champagnes and wines from Germany. There will also be a new authentic Polish street café selling some great Polish beers and wonderful foods.

For those with a sweet tooth there will be a traditional French Creperie, Spanish Chi Chi and not to be out done Dick and Willy from Holland with their delicious Dutch waffles loaded with cream and all sorts of toppings. The ever popular Gingerbread House will also be attending with wonderful Belgian Chocolates, traditional sweets and designer Easter Cakes. Entertainment will also be provided on the bandstand.

The Continental Market is not just about food there will also be stalls selling jewellery, crafts, clothing, handbags, purses and some very unusual gifts from around Europe.

Green-fingered shoppers will not be disappointed, as the market will include the 'Flying Dutchman', Dick van de Wardt, one of the largest plant, flower and bulb specialists from Holland.

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr Mike Mitchelson, said:

"The Continental Market promises to be even bigger and better and will include some exciting new traders. Shoppers will also be delighted to hear that some of their old favourites such as Dutch Plant seller Dirk van de Wardt will also be attending again. The Continental Market is a regular feature in the city centre and is a popular attraction for residents and tourists alike. Shoppers will be spoilt for choice, with a collection of market stalls with a wide range of products."

Allan Hartwell, Director of Market Place, said:

"We are absolutely delighted to have been invited back to Carlisle, it’s a great city which just keeps getting better and better and the warm welcome we receive from the people of Carlisle really does take some beating."