PEOPLE flocked to watch the opening of Salisbury’s first Christmas market last night.

Wiltshire Council leader Jane Scott and city mayor John Collier officially opened the market at 7pm. The evening’s entertainment began at 5pm with a selection of music and carols in the Guildhall square. And at 6.15pm, a procession of paper lanterns, led by the Band of the Rifles, processed from Leaden Hall School.

International and national traders have been preparing their chalets for business all week and are selling a variety of festive gifts, foods, handmade crafts, and much more.

As well as 55 festive stalls to visit, there’s also a Father Christmas Grotto in Fisherton Mill courtyard, open from 10.30am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.

The market is open in the Guildhall Square between 10am to 6pm daily, opening until 7pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, until December 16.

Organiser Stephanie Swann said: “It’s been a huge event to coordinate but it looks stunning.

“Everyone’s been so positive, which is great.”

For more information, visit salisburychristmasmarket.co.uk or call 07436 266560.