Press Release

Enjoy A Taste Of Europe In Derry’s Guildhall Square

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Traders from all over Europe will descend on Guildhall Square in Derry this week offering the finest cuisine from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Holland and Poland. The continental market will offer a taste of some traditional and exotic fare from around the world; with Bratwurst sausages from Germany and rich biscuits and cakes from Brittany. Or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not try some Kangaroo or Ostrich?

The Market will be in Derry from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th October and is open from 9am-5.30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 1pm to 4.30pm on Sunday.

It’ll feature German traders such as Karl Heinz with his traditional Round Stall (Schwenkgrille) selling Bratwurst Sausages and Franck Siehl selling a fine range of salamis and dried or cured sausage. There’ll be some excellent cheeses from France and Holland; olives, charcuterie, pates, rich biscuits and cakes from Brittany and bread baked fresh on site by M Le Hors.

Take a trip around the world of rare meats with Springbok from South Africa, Wild Boar and Alligator steaks. You will also be able to sample a huge range of Freddy’s dried sausage from Normandy.

On the non-food front, why not treat yourself to a leather handbag made with Parisian flair or indulge in some stylish and traditional Cashmere and silk knitwear from Paris. There’ll be Italian silks pashminas and scarves for sale as well as crafts and perfumes from France.

Create a European ambience in your home with crystal and colourful table wear from Provence and Holland or why not try the great range of amber jewellery from Poland. There will also be a range of soaps from Marseilles and Provence together with floral arrangements and scented displays.

Welcoming the Continental Market to Derry, Mayor, Councillor Helen Quigley said:

“This promises to be a great shopping experience with some fantastic food and goods on sale. We’ll be able to take a trip round Europe and the rest of the world without leaving Derry City Centre! I think the Continental Market will bring a real flair and buzz to the city with so many different types of food and other goods to buy. “Local traders will also benefit from having so many shoppers in the city centre and I hope everyone is looking forward to this market as much as I am.”

The event is organised by Derry City Council in partnership with specialist market organisers Market Place (Europe) Limited. Although new to Derry, Market Place Europe are responsible for organising over 60 Continental markets throughout the UK each year including the hugely successful May Bank Holiday and Christmas Continental Markets in Belfast City Centre.

The chairman of the Development Committee, Cllr Maeve McLaughlin, said: “This continental market promises to be a great shopping experience with some fantastic food and goods on sale. It gives local people the opportunity to purchase items from all over Europe without having to leave the city centre.”

Stephen Kelly, the Manager of the City Centre Initiative said: “We’re delighted that the Continental Market is coming to Guildhall Square. The Market will bring continental aroma, taste and atmosphere to the City and greatly enhance the retail offering in the lower part of the City Centre. The increased footfall will bring benefits for existing traders and we hope that this will help kick start the run into the important Christmas trading period."

For more information on the Continental Market and the range of food and goods on offer, log on at: www.marketplaceeurope.co.uk . For further comment information contact:- Allan Hartwell Director of MPEL on 07811 131973 or Economic Development Section, Derry City Council.

Ends

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