A NEW market event is to come Bournemouth town centre next weekend – bring with it food, music and entertainment from across the world.

Marvellous Markets are to host a free-to-attend two-day market festival, supported by Bournemouth Town Centre BID, at Horseshoe Common on May 22 and 23.

Visitors will be able to browse market stalls and sample food from international businesses based in the town centre, accompanied by entertainment from France, Latvia and Cuba.

Organiser Suzy Wheeler said: “The idea behind hosting at Horseshoe Common is to encourage people into the town centre, browse some of the local market stalls and, whilst they are there, have a look at some of the businesses on the high street.

“Once things have died, we hope to have every market stall run by a levy member but with restaurants and other businesses opening on Monday, the timing isn’t great and some of our members won’t be able to attend but there will still be great selection of things to choose from

“We are trying to encourage people to come to the town centre and support local businesses and visit local shops and cafes.”

Marvellous Markets have hosted a Poole BID-supported event at Orchard Plaza in Poole Old Town in April and are due to hold a market this weekend at Falkland Square, outside the Dolphin Centre in Poole

Children will also be able to take part trail around Horseshoe Common to be in with a chance of winning prizes and gift vouchers provided by local businesses.

Each day will be rounded off with Salsa party from 3pm to 5pm led by dance teacher Enrique.

The international event is made possible with the support of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, with the aim of supporting its levy payers as well as offering a different experience in the centre of town.

CEO of Bournemouth Town Centre BID said: “In the visitor’s survey that we conducted last year, we asked people what they would like to see more of to reconnect with the high street and encourage them back into the town centre, and the overwhelming response was markets.

“Markets are what people want to see so that is what we have done, as a keyway to encourage people back into the town centre.

“Horseshoe Common is one of the public spaces that is underused for events. It is one of these areas that can be used very effectively if it is done right.”

Discussion are in place to host similar events in different parts of the town centre.

Mr Kinvig added: “If you look at Horseshoe Common and Old Christchurch Road, a lot of our levy payers are international eateries so that is something we want to promote, and hopefully encourage people to look and explore different cuisines.

“It is to help people reconnect with the town centre and to visit businesses wouldn’t normally go to, and it gives a chance for businesses to promote what they have to offer after such a turbulent time.

“It is also us responding to what visitors in particular want to see so it is great to be able to support businesses in a way that people would also like to be part of.”