AN ARTISAN market is being set up to create a “continental piazza” in Bournemouth on Saturday.

Food stalls and hand-crafted goods are going on sale on the first Saturday of every month at The Triangle until October in a bid to create what organisers are calling “a farmers’ market meets an arts fair”.

Patrick Marmion, who also organises the town’s food and drink festival, is hoping to build on an improved vibrancy within the area with the Bournemouth Artisan Market.

He said: “There is a good interest in local produce in Bournemouth and we decided to make a commitment to The Triangle.

“Everything involved in the market is sourced within 50 miles.

“The Triangle has changed massively over the last few years and with venues like Flirt it’s gaining a real identity of its own.”

Tesco and Starbucks are among the other outlets to open since Bournemouth council redesigned the open space outside the shops.

Patrick added: “We are maintaining the seating outside the cafes for the market and will turn it into a continental piazza so people can chill out with a coffee and look around.”

The market will run from 9am to 5pm and start off with around 15 stalls this weekend, with hopes to increase the number of traders.

Among the artisans expected to feature are jewellery and decorative gift makers with food stalls including the Dorset Smokery and Oxfords bakery.

Rob Hazell, co-owner of Flirt Cafe Bar, said their recent table top sale proved shoppers visit for such events.

He said: “Vintage and artisan goods are really popular.

“And The Triangle is a really nice corner of town now so having this here once a month will be really good.”