International market returns to city centre over Easter weekend

More than 40 traders have taken part and brought an array of global treats to the city centre from arts and crafts, fine foods and delis to street foods.

The international market stretched down past WHSmith in the city centre (Image: Craig Douglas)The market has been in place in the city centre throughout the bank holiday weekend and ended on Easter Monday.

For food lovers, there was a tempting selection of continental and international flavours to sample.

Some of the food on offer at the international market (Image: Craig Douglas)Greek gyros, Chinese, crepes, exotic burgers and salt and pepper chicken have proved popular with visitors, and people were also able to take the flavours of the world home with them with a selection of fresh foods including olives, cheeses, salami and handmade breads and cakes.

Alongside the food stalls, the market also had plenty of craft stalls including handmade jewellery, Fairtrade wooden furniture and carvings, and the Dutch 'Flowers on Tour' stall which sold an array of shrubs, bulbs, plants and trees with some garden ornaments.

Some of the flowers on offer at the market (Image: Craig Douglas)The international market was organised by Market Place Europe and was supported by Cumberland Council.

The international market has previously been criticised by some local traders and people in the city centre who have said that they would prefer to see local food vendors and creatives given a stall on the market rather than the organised international market which travels round the country.

Local traders in the city's market hall - a collection of retail stalls including a jewellers and multiple food units - face an uncertain future and have raised serious concerns which 'could well spell the end of the market' if not addressed.

The return of the international market has yet to be announced by Cumberland Council.