VISITORS to Felixstowe enjoyed browsing and buying goods from Italy, France, Spain and Germany as a little bit of Europe came to the seaside.

VISITORS to Felixstowe enjoyed browsing and buying goods from Italy, France, Spain and Germany as a little bit of Europe came to the seaside.

The resort hosted a three-day continental market - and the event helped to attract thousands of extra visitors.

Some 22 stalls were set up in a different venue each day - the pedestrianised area of Hamilton Road, Spa Pavilion car park and leisure centre car park - selling a wide variety of goods, including food, wines, crafts, biscuits, and chocolates.

The event was organised by Felixstowe Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Chamber chairman Peter Dawes said it had been a huge success.

“The feedback we have had has been tremendous,” he said.

“Each day the market was absolutely packed with people, though, of course, the weather was fantastic and we did have added attractions such as the vintage car run to bring people to the town.

“The stallholders were very pleased and the event was well received by the permanent shops in Hamilton Road. In all, it was incredibly successful and everyone was very pleased.

“We want to thank everyone who came along and supported the event and also Shaun Rudduck who spent so many months organising it and dealing with the nitty gritty.”

The chamber is now in talks with the organisers of the market - who have been holding similar events in the UK, Germany, France, Belgium and Italy for six years - to see if it could be staged in the town at Christmas-time.

“The idea would be to have it on the day the Christmas lights are switched on in the town centre to provide another attraction for people coming to shop and again bring even more visitors to the town,” said Mr Dawes.

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