Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas market opens

Birmingham's annual Frankfurt Christmas Market is expected to attract millions of visitors this year

Birmingham's popular Frankfurt Christmas Market, which is expected to welcome millions of visitors over the next two months, has opened.

The event, on New Street and Victoria Square, launched at 11:00 GMT on Friday with the official lights switch on at 17:30.

Recognisable wooden huts line the area with a ferris wheel and ice rink returning to Centenary Square for the 2024 season.

The market will open daily at 11:00 GMT from Monday to Friday, with the event starting an hour earlier on weekends, until 24 December.

Early punters arrived at the site ahead of its opening on Friday.

Sheila, from Shrewsbury, said the market helped her get into the Christmas spirit.

"I think it's lovely because even if you don't have the pennies in your pocket to splash out, the sights and sounds of it are good for the family," she told BBC Radio WM.

"Especially as it starts to get dark and the lights come out and you get the smells of the cooking and the music and stuff.

"I think it's a lovely community gathering."

Sharon Thompson, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, said the market was good for the city's economy

Deputy leader of Birmingham City Council Sharon Thompson said: "I think the Christmas market brings a lot of joy to a lot of people.

"We see people not only from across the city coming to the city centre but also from across the UK and Europe.

"So it's a great feel good factor but it also brings in great revenue to the local economy."