Waving the flags for the Continental Market are Ayr West Councillor Bill Grant, Provost Winifred Sloan and David Bell, MD of Ayr Renaissance
People in Ayr and the surrounding area are in for a treat next month when the Continental Market arrives for its first visit in more than four years.
In partnership with South Ayrshire Council and Ayr Renaissance and with support from Prestwick Airport, the Continental Market – no ordinary market – comes to River Street in Ayr between Thursday 11 and Monday 14 August, bringing with it the tastes, sounds, smells and fun of Europe.
Offering a warm welcome and a wide variety of produce and goods, the market is set to make sure you get to enjoy the continent even if you've not left town all summer.
With products on offer changing with the seasons, you can transport yourself to the shores of the Mediterranean with food goods such as sun-ripened olives, fine coffees, biscuits and breads from Italy and France, reviving memories of that summer holiday.
Other goods usually available to purchase include chic handbags from Paris, clothing from Finland, piquant French cheeses and wonderful spicy sausages from Germany. You may also see unique Russian matryoshka dolls and, of course, genuine French crêpes.
You will be spoilt for choice in the Dutch flower market and sorely tempted by the French cookware and tableware. You can then give your tastebuds a continental treat with exotic wild boar and blueberry sausages, fine pâtés, cooked hams, and Dutch toffee waffles baked in front of your eyes.
And if that wasn't enough, you can share the pleasure with bon-bons and German confectionery to take home.
South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan said: "I am thrilled the Continental Market is coming back to Ayr, giving those in the town and beyond the chance to enjoy a flavour of the continent right on their own doorstep.
"The market will offer something for everyone with clothing, flowers, food and homewares all available and will provide a chance for both local residents and visitors to buy some unique products as well as some of the best home-grown produce.
"So whether you're looking to recall happy memories of a past holiday or just bring a little bit of continental sunshine into your day, make sure you take the chance to come along to Ayr and the Continental Market from 11-14 August."
Britain's premiere market – the Continental Market – will open between 9am and 5.30pm at River Street in Ayr from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 August 2011.
For further information, visit www.thecontinentalmarket.com.