PICTURES: Feliz natal at Portuguese market

The visiting market, which came to the town on November 26, offered a great range of Portuguese, Madeiran and Cape Verde crafts and specialities including meats, cheese, wines, pastries and the very popular Portuguese custard tarts, called Natas.

Littlehampton’s Portuguese speaking residents joined in with singing and dancing from traditional Portuguese musicians and dance troupe Grupo Flor da Madeira.

The event was attended by Arun district councillor and Littlehampton mayor Ian Buckland and the Portuguese Deputy Consul Joao Paulo Brito, Marilia Figueira and Fernando Teles of the Littlehampton-based Association Cultural Madeira Club.

John Edjvet, Arun District Council’s Littlehampton town centre regeneration officer, said: “We are really pleased at the success of the Portuguese market.

“Despite it being a very cold, there was a great atmosphere and the event was brilliantly supported by people from near and far.

“Arun District Council and Littlehampton Town Council hope that it will be possible for this very popular market to return to Littlehampton in 2017.”

Councillor Mrs Gillian Brown, Leader of Arun District Council and Cabinet Member for Council Strategy, said: “I am delighted that the Portuguese market in Littlehampton was so successful.

“These events boost community spirit, bring people together and give a flavour of what is really great about Littlehampton and the Arun district.

“It is also a great example of partnership work between Arun District Council and Littlehampton Town Council. I hope there will be another Portuguese market in Littlehampton very soon.”

Have you checked out our new Christmas section yet?

It’s packed with ideas and tips to ensure you make the most out of the festive season.

There’s recipes, suggestions for presents and everything from choosing your tree to recycling your packaging and paper.

Go to www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk/christmas/