I spent some time in northern France, near the border with Belgium in a town called Lille.

I really love the place for the buildings, the food and above all for the yearly Braderie.

I don't know much about the Braderie, only that it dates back to the 12 century where the rich and well to do would allow their domestic servants to sell off their old and used posessions between sunset and sunrise on the 31st of august.

I learnt at the weekend that Braderie derives from the flemmish Braaden, which means to roast or grill - during the period merchants would cook meat for people to buy.

Nowadays, the yearly event attracts about 2 million people who ostensibly go to chiner (look for good deals on market stalls) and to eat mussels and fries - every restaurant has a competition whereby they pile up the empty mussel shells as a means of showing that they're the best ... kinda thing.

The down side though, is that the next day, the pavements are slimy and greasy and the town ressembles a disaster zone.

There are a multitude of events including a mini marathon, concerts and shows which go on throughout the weekend more or less nonstop.

I really love it and i would suggest that every one goes at least once in their lives.

There now follows a series of photos of Lille - you've been warned :@)