STAGING a French market in Felixstowe has been hailed a huge success - and shoppers and traders cannot wait for the next one.The event, which was held one day in the pedestrianised area of Hamilton Road in the town centre and the second on the seafront, attracted large crowds to buy from the wide variety of stallsShoppers eagerly snapped up baguettes and croissants, cheese, charcuterie, olives, garlic, honey, biscuits, pancakes, terracotta ware, soaps, clothing and more.

By Richard Cornwell

STAGING a French market in Felixstowe has been hailed a huge success - and shoppers and traders cannot wait for the next one.

The event, which was held one day in the pedestrianised area of Hamilton Road in the town centre and the second on the seafront, attracted large crowds to buy from the wide variety of stalls

Shoppers eagerly snapped up baguettes and croissants, cheese, charcuterie, olives, garlic, honey, biscuits, pancakes, terracotta ware, soaps, clothing and more.

Felixstowe Chamber of Trade and Commerce organised the weekend and chairman Shaun Rudduck said it had been a “resounding success” with the only criticism that it was not big enough and people had expected more stalls.

Mr Rudduck said: “If it had been any larger, I don't know where we would have put it.

“As far as Joe Public was concerned it was a great success and people are already saying when is the next one.

“We are taking soundings from shopkeepers in Hamilton Road and if they were not happy we would have to reconsider our position. However, from the initial soundings they are saying it was fantastic and bring it back.

“The atmosphere in Hamilton Road was tremendous and was well worth all the effort.

“Our friends from France want to come back and we want to them to as well.”

The hope had been the market would draw visitors who would also spend in shops in the town. One café had its third best ever Saturday since opening and the queues in Tesco were huge.

Traders will be discussing the whole event and all the pros and cons before deciding on the next one. There is also talk of the possibility of a German market coming to town because of the resort's twins, Wesel and Salzwedel.

Town and district councillor Doreen Savage said: “It was a wonderful weekend and a great success and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. It really brought Felixstowe alive and is the sort of event we need regularly in our town.”

Did you enjoy the French market? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk