A CHRISTMAS market full of continental food stalls will pop up in the town centre next week.

In order to raise the profile of the town centre and to offer shoppers something different this festive season, the borough council has agreed a deal to bring eight food stalls near the water fountain and along the Parade.

They will offer a wide range of festive treats like mulled wine and foreign cuisine including German sausages.

Cabinet member for the town centre Dale Heenan said: “The operator has popular market stalls on offer every year in Bristol, Birmingham, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, among other places.

"This is a new location for a market and we are supporting something a bit different. I hope local residents enjoy this Christmas market, and that it also helps town centre business see more shoppers.

"If successful, then we can build on this in 2020 and see regular town centre markets make a return. So don’t miss this year's festive market – Yule be sorry!”

The stalls will set up next week and run for five weeks. They will be open until 6pm seven days a week.

Coun Cathy Martyn said: “We are very excited about having this vibrant and positive addition to the whole Christmas shopping experience for residents and visitors.

"I would urge everyone to go and have a look – it is such a wonderful extravaganza of food and drink, crafts and festive gifts.”

Members of the public will see the markets being set up throughout this week.