A CONTINENTAL-style Christmas market is being held in Altrincham, designed to encourage families into the town on the last full shopping weekend before Christmas.

The Christmas Kitchen Food Fair is being organised in conjunction with Altrincham Market and supported by Trafford Council.

The market will be held on two consecutive days – Saturday December 17 and December 18.

On Saturday, the food fair sited on Greenwood Street, will run alongside a Christmassy Saturday market. And on Sunday, it will run alongside the last vintage and food producer’s market of the year.

Greenwood Street will be closed to vehicles for the whole weekend.

Organiser Barry Cooperman is a restaurateur who has been trading in Altrincham for 18 years. He is deeply committed to the regeneration of the town and owns La Rioja, The Belgian Bar and The Fish Game, so he has first-hand experience of the struggles faced by town centre businesses. “We are using an image of Lord Kitchener in our publicity for a very good reason” said Barry.

“Hopefully, it will help people realise how much Altrincham needs them to support their local economy right now. Sadly, more business owners are in danger of losing their livelihoods this Christmas. We can’t stand aside and just let it happen so we are trying our very best to offer an alternative to places like Manchester and The Trafford Centre. We desperately need the support of local people and there are masses of fabulous gifts to buy right here, so we are appealing to everyone to do their Christmas shopping in Altrincham this year.” Catering companies and food producers who are interested in becoming involved should contact Barry Cooperman on lariojaaltrincham@googlemail.com and groups or individuals wishing to sing or play festive music should contact Sarah Walmsley on sarahw@ouraltrincham.org.