While Ely has welcomed market and fair traders since the 12th Century, this year’s Flavours of the World event was one of the best yet.

Ely Standard: Flavours of the World market returns to Ely Market Square for the 12th year. PHOTO: Mike Rouse.Flavours of the World market returns to Ely Market Square for the 12th year. PHOTO: Mike Rouse. (Image: Archant)

Held over the Bank Holiday Weekend, dozens flocked to Market Square to ‘travel the world without leaving Cambridgeshire as they tried a ‘diverse mix’ of street food, produce and gifts.

Everything from authentic North African food to olives and Baltic amber jewellery was on offer through the day as well as French soaps from Marseille, lavender from Provence, scented oils, jewellery and handmade wooden garden furniture.

Ely Standard: Flavours of the World market returns to Ely Market Square for the 12th year. PHOTO: Mike Rouse.Flavours of the World market returns to Ely Market Square for the 12th year. PHOTO: Mike Rouse. (Image: Archant)

Julia Davis of Ely Markets said: “People love seeing something new when they come to our markets.

Organisers Savoir Fayre said: “There is a historical significance to the marketplace. Before the supermarkets, before the internet; the marketplace was where traders would introduce their world to the world.

Ely Standard: Flavours of the World market returns to Ely Market Square for the 12th year. PHOTO: Mike Rouse.Flavours of the World market returns to Ely Market Square for the 12th year. PHOTO: Mike Rouse. (Image: Archant)

“Traders, who had sailed the seas, discovering lands and cultures, would gather the culinary and material treasures they harboured and bring them to market to showcase to their native countrymen. The market was a place of cultural learning and discovery.”

Visit www.elymarkets.co.uk to keep up to date with future Ely Markets events.