Streetlife

Mrs F says the nougat stall with all different types, pistacheo, chilli chocolate, hazelnut, walnut, coffee  looked particularly good as did the crepe stall, fresh macaroon stall  all still warm from the oven, paella stall and tartafette stall, and plenty more that she could not recall.

As a newcomer I hesitate to suggest Sidmouth hosts something similar. Many towns have French Markets and what about a monthly farmers market? I recently went to one at the St Johns hall but seemed rather half hearted to me. Markets bring people into town .....

BJ it's an interesting idea for Sidmouth at Christmas, the folk festival stalls on the front seem very popular in the summer, I wonder if something similar for winter could take off even if it was just for the weekends in December.

Why? This is an English town. supported the local shops. If you want French go to france or Exeter. Farmers markets are held in Honiton on Wednesdays! Yes I am not English but why do you want to change this country for? Keep your heritage and be proud of it as once it is gone you will never get it back!!

The English are worried that if they show any signs of being patriotic they will be accused of racism. Bit sad really.

The Xmas Market in Exeter is celebrating Xmas and good cheer. It has a continental feel but many of the stall holders have British accents and I suspect they are local shops joining in the local fun of the Xmas fair. I guess it not too different to the cheese shop up the road selling European cheese as well as home produced if we are to sell our produce in Europe we must also buy from Europe as well as being patriotic towards British wares?

Yes you're right of course. I expect France, Germany and Belgium are brimming over with English markets right now.

Stephen, love the sarcastic tone! :) 
But you sound quite bitter and I feel for you as I love Britain and British culture, can't think what all those Brits go spend money abroad for...
The truth is, foreign bits and pieces, such as markets, do add to the enriched nature of a country and yes, people seem to enjoy those events -hey, not everyone can afford the trip to France, it's often far dearer than Turkey or Egypt!
I say live and let live is a good policy here, it's not as though the foreigners in question are trying to keep some dodgy cultural traits alive in our lovely country, they're just selling wares that are , often a bit odd, charming, quaint, interesting, occasionally downright disgusting, but hey ho...  Peace on Earth to all men of goodwill.

PS: Robin, don't mention it! :P

http://youtu.be/7xnNhzgcWTk

That is so funny, my very favourite episode, and to you Anne a Joyeux Noel!

And a Buona Natale to you, Mr& Mrs & Mrs F! :)

Go Stephen H !! well said !

Once a year Foreign Food stalls Why not?....Lose our Heritage? Blahhhhhhhhhh
Get Real Its what this litlle old Town needs, a bit of christmas cheer...

I did not expect my comment to be seen as not backing British food producers, on the contrary I would always support them. That is why I was also suggesting a Farmers market. OK so there is one in Honiton - but I was talking about bringing business to Sidmouth.  Oh and not just at Christmas either.

I'm sure we all back British, and you have a good point about bringing business to Sidmouth. I must admit when the French market was her back in the summer I bought bread, cheese, olives and ate it on the sea front ( heaven )!!