Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market opens for business
- Published
The annual Frankfurt Christmas Market has returned to Birmingham. Now in its 13th year, the city council said it is the biggest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria.
The stalls sell a range of food and drinks, and the people behind them are happy to get into the festive spirit.
As well as food and drink, intricate hand-made gifts can also be bought at the market, including these continental-inspired model houses.
Families were enjoying the market as crowds descended on the area on Friday evening.
Germany is well known for its Christmas markets, with more than 2,500 across the country.
Earlier in the day Max Stewart, 20, from Quinton in Birmingham, said he had been showing his 20-year-old friend Philip Awiti, from London, around the market. "I think it's really good, much bigger than I thought it would be," Philip said. "It's a good place to get Christmas presents from - and enjoy the beer."
Council deputy leader Ian Ward said: "Each and every year it gets bigger and attracts even more visitors and we're expecting over four million visitors into the city."
The market's beer, food and festive gifts pull in the crowds. Ollie Hill, from Wolverhampton, Josh Davies, from Shifnal in Shropshire, Luke McAllister, from Telford in Shropshire and Gareth Martin from Birmingham, said they enjoyed the atmosphere every year they had been. "It's the same every year and I hope it doesn't change," said Ollie. "If it ain't broke, then don't fix it. It's a really good atmosphere here."
The council said the market brings in "so many visitors from both the wider regional area, and the whole country, that it's a boost to all the shops, restaurants and hotels in the city".
Malis Loewenthal, from Bremen, has been running her bar, Almhutte, since the market began. She said she now treats Birmingham as her "second home". "The people are very friendly, the customers come back every year and it's just great for business," she said. "My grandson was born here - during the time the market was here - and next week he is three years old. I just love it here."
The market began with 24 stalls in 2001. Birmingham's lord mayor Mike Leddy said the event was of "great benefit" to the city.
Diane and William Atterbury from Erdington in Birmingham said they were big fans of the winter market. "We come every year and we love it," Diane said. "It's always busy and once I've finished my fried potatoes and mushrooms, I'm going to have some gluhwein, which you've got to try here."
Birmingham Council House was also lit up. The Frankfurt Christmas Market runs until 22 December.
- Published14 November 2013