Clitheroe To Host Its First Continental Market

SOME of the finest foods and artisan products in Europe will be up for grabs in Clitheroe next month, when the town hosts its first continental market.

Geraud Markets, the UK's leading operator of specialist markets, will occupy the Clitheroe Market Car Park for three days from Thursday, April 17, to Saturday, April 19.

Gerraud Markets manages 55 continental markets across the country, as well as the famous Covent Garden Sunday Market, and over 50 stallholders from across Europe are expected to take part in the three-day bonanza.

Ribble Valley Borough Council leader Stuart Hirst said: "Clitheroe is famed for its independent retailers, while the Ribble Valley Food Trail and Clitheroe Food Festival attract thousands of shoppers and food enthusiasts to the borough every year.

"Now we have the opportunity to launch this year's summer season with a fantastic shopping experience that will put Clitheroe even more firmly on the North West retail map.”

The market will feature fine foods, including French charcuterie, continental cheeses, German sausages, garlic and vegetables, as well as artisan items, such as handmade jewellery and leather goods.

Clitheroe Market is also expected to open on the Friday, which is not a normal market day, while the Friday flea market will operate as normal.

Clitheroe has hosted a regular market since the Norman Conquest in the 12th Century.

Over 80 stalls now sell fruit and vegetables, bread and cakes, fish and meat, clothing and lingerie, pottery and craft items, curtains and fabrics, rugs and household textiles, flowers and electrical goods.

It is also home to a number of specialist food traders, including Ferguson's Deli, which is featured on the Ribble Valley Food Trail, and legendary fruit and veg stall Burney's.

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Further details for the media are available from Ribble Valley Borough Council's communications unit on 01200 414483 or 07971 978766.