Cookstown's continental market will have foods from all corners of the globe

The continental market with over 40 traders from all over the world will be held in Cookstown from this coming weekend, starting Friday.

Shoppers will be treated to an array of delicious foods and authentic crafts from all corners of the globe in this, the NI Year of Food.

The event, organised by Mid Ulster District Council, in partnership with the Town Centre Forum and delivered by Market Place Europe, comes after the successful delivery of the town’s recent public realm scheme.

Foodies will be delighted to know Vanmassenhove will be returning with their tasty macaroons cooked fresh at the market.

Also on the menu will be the traditional German Schwenkegrill selling Bratwurst Sausages. John Lock will be serving up their famous Hog Roast, as Maigrat’s will be offering their scrumptious French crepes, served with a variety of toppings and sauces including fruit and of course Chocolate sauce!

There are plenty of other treats if you have a sweet tooth, with Samson (De St Jorre) serving Spanish Chi Chi, Churos and waffles and Turlo providing delicious Mid Eastern sweet cakes and baklavas, dried fruits and nuts.

It’s not all about food though as Market Place will be bringing a fantastic range of crafts and gifts from a number of countries such as a selection of beautiful South American knitwear from Cordova Castenda and musical instruments.

G and G Global Gift Collection will have an assortment of Fair Trade wooden carved figurines all the way from Bali as Dutch Flowers on Tour will have a huge variety of bulbs, plants, flowers and garden accessories, all the way from Holland.

There will also be a great selection of Northern Irish traders, as part of NI Year of Food, from freshly prepared quality cuts of local meats, expertly prepared sauces and spices to cordials, non-alcoholic ginger wine, ice-cream and creamy frozen yoghurt. You can also visit the local produce stalls in ‘The Hub’ on Saturday 3rd.

Market Place Operations Manager, Chris Hulley is looking forward to returning to Cookstown: “This will be the third time Market Place has come to Cookstown and we are very excited to come back. Our traders always gain such a warm welcome and it is fantastic to bring the market to Cookstown, offering visitors something new and exciting.”

The weekly Saturday Market traders will be located along part of William Street and James Street, providing the opportunity for locals and visitors to pick up a few local treats for all the family.

As well as the market, there will be lots to entertain shoppers with music on Friday and Saturday evening from 5pm including Manouche Gipsy Jazz Band and Rhythm 4, and Martello Jazz Band.

The Continental Market will be in Cookstown from: Friday 2nd, 9am – 8pm, Saturday 3rd, 9am – 6pm and Sunday 4th, 1pm – 6pm. Members of the public should note that there will be a road closure in operation from 8pm on Thursday 1 September, with the commencement of road opening from 7pm on Sunday 4 September.

The road closure will be in place from the Orritor Street/Coagh Street junction to the Burn Road/James Street junction.