St Albans’ German-style Christmas market is to double the number of traders this year, from around 50 to nearly 100, due to last year’s success .

The festive market, which will take place from November 27 to December 21, will have more than 70 wooden chalets this year, with local craftspeople and traders sharing space across the three week period.

Market manager Liz Marcy said: “We are already almost 70 per cent booked this year, and at the moment nearly 20 per cent of those bookings are from local traders from across the three counties of Herts, Beds and Bucks, which I am delighted about, so I would urge local people who want to get involved to contact me as soon as possible.

“I’d love to make this market a showcase for the fantastic local craftspeople, producers and small businesses we have, as well as a commercially successful Christmas market that attracts thousands of visitors to the city and district.”

The Christmas market is also putting a plea out to local entertainers to get in touch. The market will be particularly family-friendly this year, with a host of pre-schooler activities and attractions planned for the week days. There will be a children’s marquee to entertain pre-schoolers, right next to Santa’s chalet, and Liz is asking for local children’s entertainers to contact her if they would like to publicise their business by getting involved and providing activities and entertainment for this event.

She is looking for magicians, clowns, balloon modellers, arts and crafts providers, theatre and dance schools and storytellers to get in touch with her at liz.marcy@stalbans.gov.uk

“We want to create a place to visit for a fun festive day out with the children that is not just about spending money,” Liz added.

There are also opportunities for local musicians to showcase their talents, and interested musicians should contact jo.askham@1Life.co.uk