York City Centre will welcome back the hugely popular Continental Market on the first weekend in August.

Traders from France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Poland and Greece will provide a real 'Taste of Europe' in Parliament Street from Thursday 2 until Sunday 5.

The event is organised by City of York Council in partnership with Market Place (Europe) Limited. 

This year's Continental Market promises to be bigger and better than ever, with some exciting new traders, but old favourites such as Dutch Plant seller Dirk van de Wardt and Dutch Cheese specialist Dick Koetze will be attending once again.

Other features will include Karl Heinz from Germany with his traditional Round Stall (Schwencklegrille) selling Bratwurst Sausages, a Swedish based Koppaberg stall where visitors can enjoy a whole range of continental beers and ciders, and great liqueur coffees from the Coffee Express.

The fantastic Ginger Bread House will also be present, with a huge array of sweets, fudge and of course Belgian chocolates to die for along with some fantastic designer cakes smothered in Belgian Chocolate.

Some of the other feature food stalls include Georges Koumarides with his delightful Greek Deli, Gaspar De Luca with the Italian Soft Nougat and a range of Italian fine biscuits and other foods, Jean Claude Petit one of the best French Cheese traders with a vast array of soft cheeses made on his own farm and a range of hard mountain cheeses.

Visitors will get the opportunity to buy rare meats from around the world, with alligator, ostrich, springbok and other exotic meats available. Rounding off the eating experience will be Julian Jimenez from Cordoba in Spain with his paella cooked to an old traditional family recipe. Watch out on Friday for his speciality seafood paella and a great taste of India  from our Chef Jaz Bansil with a great range of Indian foods – some of the best samosas you will ever have.

Non-food items include leather goods from Paris, fashion wear from Paris, sheepskin and leather products from Poland, designer and amber jewellery from Poland, Italian silk scarves and ties, Bonsai trees, bespoke leather belts made by Jean Pierre Claude, Chinese Feng Shui and Chinese arts and crafts, Swarovski Crystal from Germany, Senegalese crafts and jewellery, seaweed based cosmetics from Green Angel, and speciality soaps from Marseille.