MARKETS are something of a Christmas tradition – and one Flintshire town has launched its own with stalls lining the street.

Holywell residents came out in their hundreds throughout the day to celebrate the beginning of what is hoped to be a new Christmas tradition for locals and visitors to the town as the weekly Thursday market took over the whole High Street with a festive twist.

The newly de-pedestrianised High Street road was closed off to vehicles to allow dozens of market stalls to set up shop for last minute gifts and treats on December 19.

The Leader:

Pictured; Cllr Lynda Carter, Cllr Paul Johnson and Sue Johsnon supporting the first Holywell Christmas market day [Images by Chris Noble Photography]

Popping along for a visit, and to support the market, the town mayor Cllr Paul Johnson was joined by his wife and mayoress Sue Johnson to continue their pledge of shopping locally.

The Leader:

Daniel Thomas at one of the 30 stalls lining the High Street area in Holywell

Speaking about the success of the day, he said: “It is wonderful to see the high street so busy with shoppers all supporting the local businesses and the community as a whole. This kind of spirit is what Christmas is all about and it is great that the Holywell market team has been able to bring this to life.

“It is also a good chance for people to come along and see the new High Street road after the months of work that went into delivering the scheme.”

The Leader:

The Cambria Band were on hand to provide entertainment into the evening

Father Christmas paid a visit with his festive float in the Tower Gardens area, just off the main High Street.

As well as market stalls with plenty of crafts, food, drinks, clothes and furniture on offer – the visitors were also treated to a number of performances by local primary school’s including Ysgol Gwenffrwd, Ysgol Maes Glas and Ysgol Maes y Felin.

The Leader:

Schoolchildren were in the High Street to sing Christmas carols for market visitors

Also on hand to entertain the crowds towards the close of the evet included the popular Cambria Band, Paula Martine, Glan Aber Singers and Popstarz group.

The Holywell market takes place weekly on Thursdays in the town’s High Street from 9am till 3pm. To enquire about booking a stall, email Peter.hayes@flintshire.gov.uk.