Stall holders have been speaking about the excitement of bringing their businesses to Nottingham's annual Winter Wonderland celebrations. The festive spectacle has taken over the Old Market Square again this year, with the food and drink representing a highlight for many of those attending.
But as well as enjoying delicacies ranging from bratwursts to halloumi fries, the Winter Wonderland also presents an opportunity for people to get their hands on Christmas presents such as jewellery, jams and mead.
The Winter Wonderland opened on November 15 and runs until December 31. Below are some of the stallholders at this year's event.
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Juicy Glass
Lucy Hall, who is running the Juicy Glass stall and who owns an art business in Sherwood, says there is a real buzz around this year's event. She said: "It's been very busy, people are coming from shows and there's a real buzz about it this year. Loads of people are coming from out of town, there are a lot of shows going on at the concert hall.
"If you want the buzz of Winter Wonderland then come late afternoon and evenings for the lights and the music. The difference is really, really remarkable."
Imajineers
Sean Johns, 37, runs Imajineers, a brand new stall for the Winter Wonderland which sells a range of customised items, the most popular item being a personalised bauble. Mr Johns told Nottinghamshire Live the stall has been really busy so far this year.
He said: "It's been tiring. I have only been here for a week and it's generally busiest when the weather is dry. Lunch time is quite busy.
"We've got lots of customised items, we've got a niche of what people want. Lots of people want customised Christmas presents."
The Cherry Tree
Lucas Coughlan, of The Cherry Tree stall, which sells a variety of jams, chutney, preserves and marmalades, said there has been a massive difference in sales this year. The 21 year old said: "I wasn't here personally last year but looking at all the figures, we have almost tripled what we did last year.
"There's been a lot more cash than cards, so it's been nice to see people revert back to normal. The ice rink has kept people out more, before they clear off to the pubs. It's brought a lot more people out."
Geeky Hallows
Alison Deans, from the Geeky Hallows stall, which sells items such as keyrings, necklaces and pocket watches, is back at Winter Wonderland for the second time. She said Winter Wonderland is particularly busy this year and believes one particular aspect of the attraction has made all the difference.
The 54-year-old said: "It's because of the ice rink. Because the ice rink is back there's been a massive draw of people.
"It's quiet in the mornings, from lunchtime it gets busy. It's been really good."
Name of Thrones
Julie Bramley is one of those running the Name of Thrones stall at this year's Winter Wonderland. Visitors can purchase a parchment certificate which outlines the history of their family's name.
The stall has access to a database of 800,000 surnames from Aachen to Zyprecht and everything else in between. A scroll is £25 or a framed copy is £35.
Magic Mead
Magic Mead stall holder, Jane Myrie, 64, has been at the Christmas market for the past five years. She said the best time to go to the Winter Wonderland is between 2pm to 5pm.
She explained: "It's super busy at the weekend and you can't look around. As a trader, you can't talk to the customers properly to explain the product.
"So for me as a trader, midweek is the best, probably between two and five. The least busiest is the week but the busiest is at the weekend."
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