READERS have voiced their opinions about a popular international market that returned to the Carlisle city centre on Bank Holiday weekend.

The market opened on Thursday, August 25 and served food and drink throughout the weekend.

Shoppers were spoilt for choice, with stalls from across the world exhibiting their food, drink and crafts to Carlisle folk.

The market was organised by Market Place Europe and supported by Carlisle City Council, features craft stalls from as far as Poland, Ecuador and Zimbabwe alongside local traders.

The food stalls included some of the best of world cuisine with stalls selling Chinese, Spanish, Greek and German food just a few of the 40 traders at the market.

After the market, the public have been left reflecting on the weekend, with many having mixed feelings about the 'pop up' market.

And it seemed the market wasn't a hugely welcome addition to the city centre for everyone. Lisa Harper said: "The whole of the high street stunk of old fatty oil, [it] was vile.

"We got as far as Caffe Nero for a coffee and couldn't go any further, as the place was stinking."

Other residents focused on the prices of the market. Julie Campbell commented that the market 'was very expensive' with Sue Clifford adding: "It was £12 for two pints".

Tyler Durden said: "It is all the same old stalls that come three times a year.

"It is once again, selling same old things and overpriced junk food."

However, some Carlisle residents saw the 'positive side' of the market stall.

Nicola Scullion said: "There were loads of lovely stalls, with some local traders and some who have travelled a long way to come to Carlisle.

"The food and drinks were delicous and there was a lovely atmosphere in the sunshine and stalls selling all kinds of things.

"The market had small businesses which are struggling like many others right now, so I think any support for them is very very welcome.

"The town was full of folk enjoying themselves."

"So plenty folk obviously liked it."