THIS year’s first-ever German Christmas Market in Blackburn has 16 of its 26 chalets already let, including a halal Bratwurst stall.

Now organiser Retail Alternatives want local traders to turn expressions of interest into firm lettings before the event is full up.

Tens of thousands are expected to pack the festive 25-day event on the town’s Cathedral Square using authentic timber chalets from the German city of Flensburg.

As well as food and craft stalls, the specialist firm has arranged for a vintage helter skelter and 'chair-o-plane' to add a fairground twist.

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Andrew Burnett, Retail Alternatives director, said: “It is going really well.

“We are about 70 per cent sorted including all the food stalls. We have let 16 of the chalets including a genuine Schwenke grill for German Bratwurst sausages.

“We have got two bars already booked as well a gourmet burger stall, crepes, and a coffee and chocolate chalet.

“There will be a halal Bratwurst grill to cater for Blackburn’s Asian population provided by a trader from the Lake District who is also bringing an Indian food chalet.

“There will be chalets selling craft jewellery, Christmas decorations, Christmas cactuses and African figures and craft goods.

“Things are going well.

“We are really excited about coming to Blackburn but we want traders from the town and surrounding area to take the opportunity to share in what we think is going to be a really successful event. They will need to be quick because the chalets will soon be fully booked up.”

Blackburn with Darwen regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley said: “Everything seems to be going really well. I would hope as many local traders as possible will come forward.”

The event runs from Thursday, November 29, to Sunday December 23.