A world of delight at market (From This Is Lancashire)

A world of delight at market

7:48am Friday 12th October 2012 in News

MARKET traders from around the world brought an international flavour to Bolton town centre as the council launched its popular annual continental market.

The four-day festival started yesterday, featuring 40 traders from countries including China, Thailand, India, New Zealand and South Africa.

They are joining European stallholders from France, Germany, Russia, Italy, Spain and Greece as they entice shoppers with delicious aromas wafting from their cooking pots in Victoria Square.

On offer until Sunday afternoon will be spicy Indian curries, Thai noodles, French pastries and tarts, a Greek deli, Spanish paella, Jerk chicken, a German beer tent and a traditional German salami and sausage house.

It is the fourth time the continental market has rolled into town — and not even the rain could dampen the enjoyment of stallholders or shoppers tucking into the tasty delicacies on offer.

Gingerbread House, based in Spain, is a popular and regular stall at the continental market.

Stallholder Alan Malpass said: “We always enjoy coming to Bolton. We always do well. It is one of the most successful markets we go to. The people of Bolton are so friendly and welcoming.

Even the weather cannot put a damper on it.”

Visitors are able to buy unusual delicacies such as meat from the impala, a type of antelope, as well as ostrich, crocodile and wild boar.

Arthur Calderley, aged 70, from Bury, said: “It really is a good market, and makes a change, and we love it.”

As well as food, shoppers will be able to buy pashminas, hats and scarves, French knitwear, and Swarovski crystal and jewellery.

The market is open from 9am to 5.30pm today and tomorrow and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday.