THE organisers of Blackburn's first-ever German Christmas Market in Blackburn are already talking of returning next year after a hopefully successful debut in the town.

Andrew Burnett, director of Retail Alternatives said it was now finalising details for the letting of the last two of the 26 specially-imported chalets.

He revealed that the firm's staff would move onto Blackburn's Cathedral Square on Monday November 26.

Two days of building work would then take place ready for the traders to move in on the Wednesday to prepare for Thursday's opening night.

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Mr Burnett is hopeful thousands will pack the festive 25-day event so his firm can return with a bigger and better version in next year.

Among new additions to the range of stalls are traders selling wood and stone craft products and personalised gifts.

All the food chalets are now firmly booked.

They include halal and traditional Bratwurst sausage stalls, two bars, an Indian food chalet, a gourmet burger stall, a crepes outlet, and a coffee and chocolate chalet.

Other chalets will offer craft jewellery, Christmas decorations, Christmas cactuses and African figures and craft goods.

The specialist firm has arranged for a vintage helter skelter and ‘chair-o-plane’ to add a fairground twist.

The characterful timber chalets have beens specially imported by Retail Alternatives from the German city of Flensburg which holds an major annual Christmas Market.

Mr Burnett said: “Things are really going well and we are looking forward to bringing a real German Market to Blackburn.

"We are very optimistic about the project.

"All we need now is people to come from the town and surrounding area and make it a resounding success.

"They don't need to spend a huge amount of money just come and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

"We are very hopeful that this pilot project will prove successful so we can plan to bring a bigger German market back to Blackburn next year."

Blackburn with Darwen regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley said: “I am really, really excited about this project.

"I hope it will be big success and we can host similar events next year and in future.

"It will give local people the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of a real German Christmas Market without having to make the difficult journey into Manchester."

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