Hordes of shoppers descended on the city to lap up St Albans’ first Christmas market which began with a bang last Thursday.

Herts Advertiser: St Albans mayor Cllr Annie Brewster was led to the market by the Oompah bandSt Albans mayor Cllr Annie Brewster was led to the market by the Oompah band (Image: Archant)

The market has not even been open a week and already it is being hailed as a huge success by chalet holders and visitors who have flocked to bag a bargain.

Around 10,000 people came to the market during its inaugural weekend and demand has been so high for the festive German food and drink, queues have spiralled right around the Cathedral.

Lucie Mountain from Crepe Lucette, the pancake stall in Sumpter Yard, said: “I attend lots of festivals and events throughout the year, and I have never seen queues like I had over the weekend.

“St Albans Christmas market has completely exceeded my expectations. The Cathedral background is absolutely stunning and the atmosphere is so festive.”

St Albans Mayor Cllr Annie Brewster officially declared the market open on Thursday evening at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony after being led through the city by a traditional Oompah band.

She told the crowds: “I am extremely proud to be opening the first St Albans Christmas market and, as I look behind me, I feel very emotional seeing how beautiful the chalets look with our floodlit Cathedral towering above them, providing such a stunning a backdrop.”

Another stallholder, Fiona Jackson, owner of Pollyfields a chalet selling scented Christmas garlands, commented: “We were shocked and delighted with the number of people who came on Thursday evening and over the weekend.

“For us, the gamble has really paid off and we couldn’t be more pleased with the St Albans Christmas market, and going forward I think it can only get bigger and better.”

The market runs until Saturday, December, 21.