Carlisle’s city centre pedestrianised area is set to host the ‘Carlisle Food Fair’ this August Bank Holiday (Thursday, 26 August – Monday, 30 August).

The city centre’s festival of spectacular mouth-watering delights will include the return of the popular Continental Market throughout the five-day event and a Local Producers’ Market on Friday and Saturday (27 and 28 August).

The Continental Market, arranged by the Market Place Europe Ltd, will feature a host of traders from the far reaches of Europe and beyond. Goods will include charcuterie specialist meats, freshly baked pastries, a Spanish trader cooking authentic paella and beer merchants from Poland and Germany. “Aarons” will also attend selling a wide range of exotic and rare meats such as alligator, ostrich and springbok.

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.

A variety of crafts stalls will also be on show, ranging from Asian jewellery to traditional Russian Dolls.

The Local Producers’ Market includes traders selling local produce such as Cumberland Sausage, Cumberland Mustard, preserves & pickles, cakes and truffles. Cumbria is full of such culinary masterpieces, from simple loaves from local bakeries to dishes in Michelin starred restaurants, real ale and damson gin.

An ancient Proclamation will be recited at the Market Cross on Saturday, 28 August.

A procession including The Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Mary Styth, Sword and Mace Bearers and other Civic Dignitaries will make its way from St. Cuthbert’s Church to the Market Cross in the city centre. Once there, Carlisle City Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, Dr Jason Gooding, will recite an ancient Proclamation at 10am.

The Proclamation will mark the official opening of the Carlisle Food Fair.