Residents and visitors are being encouraged to make the most of the August Bank Holiday weekend as the Carlisle International Market returns to the city centre.
Taking place from Thursday 27 August to Monday 31 August, the popular open-air event will bring a vibrant mix of international food, artisan products, crafts and gifts to Carlisle's city centre pedestrianised area.
Organised by Market Place Europe and supported by Cumberland Council, the market is expected to attract visitors from across the region, offering an opportunity to discover unique products, sample flavours from around the world and enjoy a lively atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Alongside a wide selection of continental and international cuisine, visitors can browse arts, crafts, fresh produce and speciality products from traders travelling from across Europe and beyond. Stalls will offer everything from handmade jewellery, clothing, candles and garden ornaments to unique gifts and artisan products. There will also be plenty of food and drink to enjoy, including gyros, kebabs, curries, tagines and Afro-Caribbean street food, alongside sweet treats such as macarons, tiramisu, baklava, Turkish delight and Portuguese tarts. Other favourites, including burgers, hog roast, dirty fries and a selection of beers and wines, will also be available throughout the event.
The International Market will be open:
• Thursday 27 August: 9am to 6pm
• Friday 28 August: 9am to 6pm
• Saturday 29 August: 9am to 6pm
• Sunday 30 August: 10am to 5pm
• Bank Holiday Monday 31 August: 10am to 5pm
Carlisle’s regular Friday market will continue as usual on Friday 28 August, operating from the top of English Street and the grounds of Carlisle Cathedral. Visitors can browse a range of local produce, handmade crafts, gifts, clothing and other goods from local traders.
As Carlisle's regular Friday market approaches its first anniversary, it has become an established and popular feature of the city centre. Since returning last year, it has provided opportunities for local traders to showcase their products and has been welcomed by residents and visitors alike.
There are a range of markets that take place across Cumberland weekly, For your weekly shopping, Carlisle Market Hall is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm, while Keswick Market welcomes visitors every Thursday and Saturday. Wigton Market is open Fridays, Carlisle Outdoor Market runs every Friday, and Workington Market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays.
There is also a new Whitehaven Market, which will take place on the 3rd Saturday of each month.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
"The return of the International Market is always a welcome addition to Carlisle's city centre. Alongside our regular Friday market, it helps create a vibrant atmosphere over the Bank Holiday weekend, bringing together traders, residents, and visitors from near and far. It's a great opportunity to explore something different, support businesses and enjoy everything the city centre has to offer."
An ancient Proclamation will also be recited at the Market Cross on Thursday 27 August at 10am. The Proclamation is a declaration of Carlisle’s rights to hold an annual Fair in August, originally granted to the citizens of the city in 1352 by King Edward III.
A procession including The Mayor of Carlisle, Anne Glendinning, the Chair of Cumberland Council, Cllr Andy Semple, Sword and Mace Bearers and other Civic dignitaries will make its way from the Old Town Hall to the Market Cross in the city centre.
For more information about the Carlisle International Market, visit the Market Place Europe website or follow Cumberland Council’s social media channels for updates.