The German city of Solingen is going completely bonkers again this weekend, as the 41st "Zöppkesmarkt" is on. The Zöppkesmarkt is a massive flea-market in the city centre, with some groups putting up stalls and performances all weekend long. These groups, including the "Aul Baseloemker", "Flecken Lecker" and Dreitausender" are now attractions in their own right! Zöppkesmarkt is now one of the largest flea-markets in Northrhine-Westphalia, with many people coming from all over the state to bag some bargains.

A "Zöppken" is the name the City of Blades gave its small kitchen knives. Of course, these Solingen specialties are sold as well. Though the market is getting more and more commercial every year, there are still some great bargains and rare items to be found. Old phones that still have a proper dial and work? - No problem! Vinyl records? - Sure thing! There is a lot of bric-a-brac for sale, but if you're creative and a DIY kind of person, you might just find everything you need to turn your flat into a place straight out of the 70s.

Solingen's Miss Zöpfchen (voted for having the nicest plaits) is voted before the market and her proclamation is the official start of the Zöppkesmarkt. She'll go around, give awards for the most original stalls and represent Solingen in the year to come.

The Zöppkesmarkt is one of Solingen's biggest annual events and well worth a visit. Be prepared to haggle, have a laugh and maybe you'll find those bowls that go so nicely with the plates you've already got...