WICKFORD will get a taste of the continent at the end of the month as a popular themed market returns to the town.

It is the third year in a row market traders will set up their stalls in the High Street on Friday, September 27 and the following day.

Open from 9am to 5pm on both days the area will be transformed into a bustling market place with traders from France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Holland, Poland and many more countries.

Stallholders will be wearing traditional costumes and selling goods such as croissants, crepes, sausages, cheeses, Italian nougat, and biscuits.

The market is operated by Traditional Markets Ltd and the event is being organised and funded by Basildon Council.

Tony Ball, the leader of Basildon Council, said: ““The last two continental markets have been magnificent, very well attended and popular with local traders. We had local residents, young and old, attending and it gave a genuine boost to the town centre.