Swindon town centre will be turned into a global food market next month when a four-day Continental Market brings international food, independent traders and artisan products to the town.
The market will run from Thursday, 15 October to Sunday, 18 October, giving shoppers the chance to sample food and browse stalls from traders offering products and flavours from around the world.
The food line-up includes Korean corn dogs, Burmese cuisine, Mexican burritos, Greek souvlaki and spanakopita, Caribbean dishes, German bratwurst and Philippine specialities.
There will also be Asian street food, Hungarian chimney cakes and langos, as well as olives, baklava and a range of sweet treats.
Visitors looking for something lighter can pick up homemade fudge, freshly made crêpes and barista coffee, with plenty of options for eating on the go.
Alongside the food stalls, the market will feature independent traders selling silver jewellery and ladies’ fashion, offering shoppers something beyond the usual high street selection.
Councillor Matthew Vallender, Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said the event would bring an international flavour to the town centre.
“The Continental Market is a fantastic addition to the town centre, bringing together an incredible variety of international food, independent traders and unique products,” he said.
Laura James, Chair of the Swindon Shadow BID, said events such as the market could encourage people to spend more time in the town centre and discover its existing businesses.
“Bringing something different into the town centre creates energy, increases footfall and, importantly, gives our existing businesses the opportunity to benefit from more people being in the area,” she said.
The Continental Market forms part of a wider programme of town centre events aimed at attracting visitors and supporting shopping and leisure businesses.
The programme will continue later in the autumn with Swindon’s Festive Market, which will run from 26 November to 1 December, bringing seasonal food, gifts and Christmas shopping to the town centre.
The Continental Market will be open daily from Thursday, 15 October to Sunday, 18 October.
