Carlisle International Market 2026

Carlisle International Market returns from Thursday 27 to Bank Holiday Monday 31 August 2026, bringing five days of international food, artisan products, crafts and gifts to the pedestrianised city centre.

The open-air market is organised by Market Place Europe and supported by Cumberland Council. Stalls are spread through the central shopping area around the Old Town Hall and Market Cross, making it easy to combine the market with Carlisle's shops, historic quarter and other city-centre attractions.

Opening times

• Thursday 27 August: 9am to 6pm
• Friday 28 August: 9am to 6pm
• Saturday 29 August: 9am to 6pm
• Sunday 30 August: 10am to 5pm
• Bank Holiday Monday 31 August: 10am to 5pm

Food

The 2026 line-up includes gyros, kebabs, curries, tagines, Afro-Caribbean street food, burgers, hog roast and dirty fries. Sweet options named by Cumberland Council include macarons, tiramisu, baklava, Turkish delight and Portuguese tarts. Beer and wine are also available.

Shopping

Traders are also selling fresh produce, arts, crafts, jewellery, clothing, candles, garden ornaments, speciality products and gifts.

Friday market

Carlisle's regular Friday Market continues on Friday 28 August at the top of English Street and in the grounds of Carlisle Cathedral, so Friday offers the biggest market mix but can also bring heavier footfall.

Historic Fair Proclamation

Cumberland Council confirms that Carlisle's ancient Fair Proclamation is being recited at the Market Cross at 10am on Thursday 27 August, following a civic procession from the Old Town Hall. The tradition recalls the city's right to hold an annual August fair, granted in 1352 by King Edward III.

Source discrepancy: Discover Carlisle currently shows a different day for the proclamation, but Cumberland Council published fresh information on 26 August confirming Thursday 27 August at 10am. Cumbria Guru uses the newer council information.

Parking

Viaduct Car Park is a useful long-stay option with 228 general spaces, 24-hour access and no maximum stay. The current all-day charge is £4.20. Bitts Park has 53 general spaces, three disabled bays, three motorcycle bays and three parent-and-child priority spaces, with current all-day parking at £6.10. Lowther Street is another central option with 64 spaces and an EV charging point.

Public transport

Carlisle railway station is within easy walking distance of the pedestrianised centre. Numerous bus routes stop around English Street, Lowther Street and Market Hall. On Bank Holiday Monday many services use a Sunday timetable, so check the actual return service.

Nearby

Combine the market with Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle Castle, Tullie, Bitts Park and the historic quarter.

Our tip

Arrive before the main lunch rush if food is your priority. If you come on Friday, allow extra time because the regular Carlisle Friday Market is running at the same time.