There may be six weeks still to go before the big day, but it hasn't stopped thousands of people getting in the spirit at Manchester's Christmas Markets. Today (November 12) is the first Saturday of trading for this year's markets, which run until Thursday, December 22.
By the early afternoon, bars were already bustling and queues were forming for the most popular traders. And even with the unseasonably mild weather, there were a few Santa hats on display as visitors wasted no time in soaking up the atmosphere.
Emma Potter, who travelled down to the Christmas Markets from the Lake District, had been queueing in line for her first ever Porky Pig Yorkshire pudding wrap when she spoke to the Manchester Evening News . "It's absolutely manic," she said.
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"We've just got here and we're waiting for food. I come ever year - it's all the food and drink, that's what we've come for."
The annual event sees Manchester's streets lined with traders selling gifts and decorations, as well as food and drink - including the iconic mulled wine and sausages. While visitors can expect the markets to be even busier with each weekend ahead of Christmas, traders were already pleased to see so many people out in the first days since they returned to Manchester on Thursday (November 10).
For Roxana Ilie, who runs the Sorelle jewellery stall at Exchange Square, this is her second year on the Manchester Christmas Markets. "It's busy, really busy," she said.
"I love it - I love the vibe, the people are friendly. I have another stall at Camden Market and the difference is huge - the people here are very welcoming, they want to chat with you, it's really nice."
Demi Ainsworth, who was working her first day on the Candy's Cupcakes stall, added: "It seems to be doing really well. I think everyone is really excited to finally get to the markets."
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