New Christmas market celebrates independent traders

Wreath and garland maker Marcia Springer said there had been a good turnout at the market

A one-day Christmas market set up to celebrate independent local traders has been held for the first time.

The Everything Digbeth Christmas market took place at the Zellig building, in Gibb Street, on Saturday.

The event, organised by Zellig, Bread Birmingham and Digbeth Art Space in partnership with a homelessness charity, featured a makers' market, street food and Santa's grotto.

A close-up magician also performed, as well as a local choir.

A local choir entertained visitors with uplifting songs

Zellig building manager Michelle Irving said it was a chance to showcase the building's 100 or so tenants.

"We are a little bit tucked away in Digbeth so it's nice to have everyone around just enjoying Christmas and especially all the independent traders," she added.

Proceeds from a vintage clothes rail collection will go to Birmingham homelessness charity SIFA Fireside.

Melissa Roche, head of fundraising and volunteering, said she was speechless at how "well received and attended" the event had been.

Ms Roche, from Birmingham homelessness charity SIFA Fireside, was delighted at the turnout

"It costs £2m a year to keep the charity open. No easy task," she added.

"We're a very small team of fundraisers consisting of three people so all of the funds raised are very beneficial to keep the doors open for people that are vulnerable in the city."

Trader Marcia Spring, from Anywhere Wreaths, described the turnout in market as "great" and added she had enjoyed the atmosphere.

Organisers say the event could return for longer next year.