WINTRY weather hit a Christmas market and left stallholders angry at organisers for poor trade.

Blackburn’s Christmas Party on the Market, run by Blackburn Business and Improvement District (BID) and Blackburn Market, was held on Saturday.

Around 40 stallholders pitched up for the day but many of them criticised the event, which was hampered by snow and cold weather.

Stallholder Andy Royston, who runs the West Yorkshire based Supersyrups, said: “This is the first time I’ve been to Blackburn and I must say I’m disappointed.

“I came here because there were no events on this weekend near me and I saw this was advertised online.

“It cost me £50 to purchase a stall space and I’ve already made a loss, taking in just £30.

“It’s a real shame because there’s no real entertainment either to draw people in.

“It’s the worst market I have been to in 15 years.”

Stallholders James Mellor and Scott Wade, who co-run Motherdough Neapolitan pizza stall, said: “We have been here many times before but for us this event has been very poorly organised, particularly the location of it.

“We have an indoor Blackburn town market so why have they put us out here?

“Inside there is shelter and heating."

Stallholder Jonathon Wooley, who has been running Bubble Bar business for three months, said: “You need to give people a reason to come to these type of events.

“I have been to other events where there is live music which has helped create a better atmosphere.”

Ryan Bailey, who runs the Bolton based Northern Monkey Brew Company, was visiting for the first time.

He said: “It has been pretty average to be honest.

“It has been pretty busy in terms of the crowds but just not good for trading.

“The snow and the cold certainly hasn’t helped.”

Shopper Viviana Defazio, 33, who lives in Mill Hill, said: “On Facebook it was advertised this would be a massive event but all I can see is this small street in front of me.”

“I came here to see a great event but when I arrived I asked myself ‘is this it’.”

However, organisers said entertainment had been provided by Blackburn Market, including the opportunity to step inside a giant snow globe, a Santa sleigh, carol singers and a rodeo reindeer ride.

Harriet Roberts, manager of Blackburn BID, said: “Despite the weather everybody has put in a lot of effort to make the Christmas market a success.

“It’s a shame the weather has been against us but I’m grateful to the traders for their Christmas spirit.”