Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas market set to welcome millions

Lorraine said she had first heard about the market on social media in China

Millions of visitors are expected to visit Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas market, which has returned to the city for its 22nd year.

The annual festive event with bratwurst and gluhwein launched on Thursday. It is the largest of its kind in the UK.

Wooden stalls selling food, traditional toys and gifts have been set up on Victoria Square and New Street.

Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, told BBC Radio WM he might "pop down for a stein".

"It's an annual tradition here in Birmingham - it's a partnership with our twin city of Frankfurt," he said.

"It's enormously well received and I anticipate we'll again have millions of visitors this year."

Recent markets have attracted about five million visitors

Rhian and Jo Egglestone, and their friend Claire Gissan, travelled from Shrewsbury in what has become something of an annual tradition for them.

They said it was nice to wander around early before the big crowds arrived.

"It's fun to get a new perspective on it, to see it in the daytime as we usually come at night," Ms Gissan said.

Rhian Egglestone added: "It was really busy last year. Last year I was brushing past people and everything was packed. We're glad we've come now."

Jo Egglestone said the group had been getting into the Christmas spirit early, and she had even listened to some festive music in October.

Claire Gissan, Rhian Egglestone and Jo Egglestone said they had turned a visit to the market into an annual tradition

Another of the early visitors was Lorraine, a 24-year-old from China, but working in Wales.

She said she had been prompted to visit after hearing about it on social media in China.

"It's my first time in Birmingham. It's really cool and relaxing for the holiday," she said.

A big wheel and ice rink also open to the public on Thursday in the city's Centenary Square.

Richard Jones, another regular visitor, from Gloucestershire, said the Christmas market seemed smaller this year, with fewer non-food stalls, and described it as a "bit disappointing".

Sarah Stewart, from Wiltshire, added: "It's great if you want to come and have food and drink and festivities, but there doesn't seem to be the trinket stalls and nutcracker which is what draws us here."

The market will be open daily from 10:00 to 21:00 GMT until 23 December, with the Centenary Square attractions running until 8 January.