YOU'll be able to pop into Lancaster and buy frogs' legs and snails when an authentic French Market sets up stall in the centre of Lancaster.

The market franaise is part stage a major shopping festival planned for the August Bank Holiday aimed at boosting visitor numbers to the city over the three-day period.

The festival will feature a combination of outdoor markets including the traditional Lancaster Charter Market, the Farmers' Market as well as our continental visitors.

The outdoor markets will also be complemented by the city's indoor market, Assembly Rooms and city centre shops.

This will be the first time a French market has visited the city and will include a series of stalls selling typical French produce with genuine French stall holders.

They've proved a hit in other parts of the country and the continental theme will compliment the local farmers' market as well as the traditional weekly Charter Market that is being specially enlarged for the occasion.

The same weekend sees the city host the Georgian Legacy Festival and it is expected that visitors will be enticed to wander between the two events.

Jerry North, Centre Manager at the St Nicholas Arcades, said: "Trade at Bank Holidays is traditionally down on the usual weekend levels and this festival will be a massive boost for the area."

Cllr Tricia Heath, Leader of Lancaster City Council's new Cabinet, said: "The festival, an official name for which is still to be revealed, is a terrific idea and should provide a welcome boost to the retail community, in particular the markets."

The Festival will be located in Market Square, Market Street and Cheapside. The Craft Market will link Market Street via Market Gate to the Market Hall and King Street.

Other retailers will be encouraged to put on window displays of French products.