TRADERS at Blackburn’s Christmas market have suggested moving it deeper into the town centre following a ‘great’ first year.

The new German markets were held on the Blackburn’s Cathedral Square and offered a variety of goods.

These included personalised Christmas decorations, bratwurst sausages, mulled wine and craft jewellery.

The 25-day event finished yesterday and featured characterful timber chalets which been specially imported by Retail Alternatives from the German city of Flensburg which holds an major annual Christmas market.

Ashley Quayle, of The Drummer’s Arms, ran an ale, mulled wine and hot cider stall on the market.

He said: “We’ve had quite a good time here.

“The weather made things difficult at the start and we had to close last Saturday because it was getting dangerous with the wind, but I think it’s been really great.

“You’ve got to remember it's the first one and there’s always ways to improve.

“I’d like to see it outside the town hall, there’s much more footfall there and I think it would be even better.”

Shoppers who visited the markets had mixed views, with Dennis Baron, from Blackburn, saying: “Not impressed, it was in the wrong place, half of stalls were closed.”

Carol Shackleton said: “Fantastic effort by all and maybe it was a learning curve for next year.”

Dave Hollings said: “I went twice with the kids twice because they enjoyed it so much the first time.

“A reasonable first attempt but need to aim to increase the number of stalls next year.”

Carl Traill, from Blackburn, said: “If it was to return next year then it’ll need the Salvation Army brass band daily, proper rides for the kids and put Father Christmas as the centre attraction.”

Jackie Buckley, who ran Forever In Love jewellery stall, said she believed the market was successful.

She said: “I would come again, I had a great time and I think customers did too.

“Not to be negative, but I would like to see the market more centrally in town.

“I can see why they put the market here, it’s in a beautiful place with an amazing backdrop, but it might be more successful in a different place.”

As well as a market, there were fairground rides to enjoy and live music in the evenings.

The market organiser Dean Beattie, who also ran a hot food stall, said poor weather meant only eight days of trading were dry.

He said: “There was lots of rain, but trade has been steady and there were lots of people come in.

“I would look at possibly putting on the markets next year in a different location.

“Outside the town hall would be great for us.”