The start of November marked the opening day of the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham, with stalls offering everything from authentic German beer, Bratwurst and pretzels to toys, sweets and gifts.
The market, which is spread across a large area of Birmingham from Victoria Square, running along New Street and ending just outside the Bull Ring, opened at 10am, with the familiar smells of the different foods in the air, and will run until December 24.
It was a chance for families and friends to take a walk around the market and see what was on offer, with plenty of places offering shelter as the conditions changed from sunny to rainy on a regular basis.
Adam Weir came with Owen Weir and Connor Weir from Erdington to attend the market
The market has evolved over time since the first market in 2001, which had 24 stalls around Victoria Square and Director of Festivals and Events at Frankfurt City Council Kurt Stroscher said he was delighted to be able to return to Birmingham for another year.
He said: “I’m really happy as it’s good to be here every year to have the Christmas Market taking place in Birmingham and I love seeing the people here every year.
“I was surprised in the beginning that so many people were coming here and that people from Birmingham and around Birmingham like the traditions of Christmas, but it’s lovely to see people coming here.
Kurt Stroscher said he was delighted to see the market back in Birmingham
“Every year, we have new products, Christmas decorations and new stalls and we always look around the shops in New Street and have places for people to cross the road and we always look to make changes and freshen things up.
“It is a typical German Christmas market and we’ve had that in Germany since the Middle Ages, so we love coming here to do this market every year.”
Security at the market has been a big topic since the attack at Magdeburg in Germany in December last year, with more officers out in force from West Midlands Police.
The market is full of colour all along the route
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “This weekend, we’re looking forward to welcoming one of the biggest German Christmas markets in Europe back to Birmingham, and as ever, our focus is on keeping you safe.
“The market and other festive events mean a massive increase in visitors to Birmingham, and while that’s something we’re well used to dealing with and each year we plan and respond accordingly.
“It does mean you’ll see extra officers while you’re out and about, with local officers based around the market area and across the city centre ready to respond.
Staff were busy working in the different stalls
“Those heading to the market will also see specialist Project Servator officers carrying out regular deployments day and night across the market and wider city centre. Officers are specially-trained to spot the tell-tale signs of criminal intent and are there to keep you safe.
“Deployments use highly visible, uniformed officers along with other specialist policing resources such as police dogs and drones to disrupt criminality and ensure you have a safe visit.
“We also use less visible resources such as plain clothes officers and CCTV operators, and officers work closely with market security teams, stallholders, and local businesses to give us extra eyes and ears to look out for suspicious activity.
Lowri and Bethan from Aberyswyth enjoy a beer at the market
“If you come across our officers during your visit to the market, don’t be alarmed. If you have any concerns, speak to an officer or member of security straight away. You can search ‘Project Servator’ on our website to find out more.”
Birmingham Police Superintendent Samantha Batey said: “We always look forward to the opening of the Frankfurt Christmas Market and what it means for Birmingham, and with our Operations team, we’ve been planning our response to it for some time.
“We have a proud history of policing major events, and we’re used to working with colleagues from across the force, as well as partners including Birmingham City Council and the operators of the Frankfurt Market, to make sure we’re keeping everyone as safe as possible at all times.
The stalls were already busy on the first day
“Our focus on the city centre and festive events doesn’t detract from policing the rest of the city, or the wider West Midlands, and neighbourhood and response colleagues are still there for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We all have a role to play in keeping each other safe, so remember to stay alert, look out for each other and let us know if you see something that doesn’t look right.”