Video: Continental market will return to Cookstown in May

Organised by Mid Ulster District Council, in partnership with Cookstown Town Centre Forum, the continental market is part of Market Place Europe’s spring tour, and will feature over 40 traders from as far afield as Morocco, India, Belgium, France, Russia, Holland, Spain and China, who will set up stalls alongside local traders from the weekly street market.

As well as mouth-watering dishes, from freshly made Paella to delicious Bratwurst Sausages, visitors to the market on Saturday and Sunday will also be kept entertained with a variety of street entertainment and music.

Launching the 2015 market, Councillor Linda Dillon, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, said: “This is the first significant event to be delivered by the new Council and it builds on the excellent market which took place last year and brought thousands of visitors into Cookstown town centre.

“As well as being a great opportunity for local people and visitors alike to enjoy flavours from around the world, the market is an added attraction for the town and will help to boost the numbers of shoppers for the benefit of all those trading in the town”.

President of the Chamber of Commerce, Paul Wilson, is looking forward to the buzz which the market creates:

“Last year Cookstown was buzzing for the 3 days the market was here. The atmosphere was lively, people enjoyed the opportunity to browse the stalls and sample the food on offer, as well as to visit our town centre shops.” he said.

“Our local businesses had the chance to work alongside their international colleagues and I believe the fact that so many of the continental market traders and our local traders want to participate again, is testament to the quality of the event.

“I am looking forward to another successful market next month”.

Chris Hulley, Operational Manager, Market Place said: “Market Place is delighted to return to Cookstown after a fruitful and highly successful continental market last year. We are all set to bring a fantastic array of products and tasty foods from all over the world, bringing a truly global feel to Cookstown”.

After last year’s inaugural market, Allan Hartwell from Market Place Europe Ltd completed a review of Cookstown’s Continental Market and advised that an astounding 25,000 people attended the over the three days.

He said: “It was a huge success made all the easier by the ‘can do’ attitude.”