Carlisle Great Food Fair

Ancient event marks official food fair opening

An ancient Proclamation dating back to 1352 marks the official opening of the Carlisle Great Food Fair this Saturday (25 August).

The Proclamation is a declaration of the City Council's rights to hold an annual Fair in August, originally granted to the citizens of Carlisle in 1352 by Edward III. A Procession, involving the Mayor of Carlisle, Councillor Mrs Elizabeth Mallinson, and other civic dignitaries, will watch Deputy Chief Executive, Dr Jason Gooding, recite the Carlisle Great Fair Proclamation at 10am, at the city centre Market Cross. A town crier will also be in attendance.

The Proclamation follows on from the start of Carlisle City Council's Great Food Fair, which opened for business today (Friday, 24 August). The city centre food festival will continue throughout the Bank Holiday weekend and includes the popular Continental Market which will run throughout the four day event, with the addition of a Made In Cumbria Farmers' Market held today (Friday) and Saturday.

The continental market, arranged by the Market Place Europe Ltd, will include more than 30 stalls from the far reaches of Europe. Goods will include charcuterie specialist meats from Corsica, freshly baked French Apple and Fruit sponges, a Spanish trader cooking authentic paella, and wine and beer merchants selling quality Bordeaux. Green fingered shoppers will not be disappointed either, as the market will include the 'Flying Dutchman', Dick van de Wardt, one of the largest plant, flower and bulb specialists from Holland.

The programme will also include daily entertainment on the bandstand. For more details telephone 01228 625600 or visit www.discovercarlisle.co.uk (external link).