THE eagerly-anticipated Christmas market has opened in Salisbury, with shoppers keen to see what it’s like and start their Christmas shopping.

A wide range of local, national and international producers have decorated their chalets and are offering a variety of festive gifts from handmade bouncing puppets and winter woollies to mulled wine and tasty treats. Linda Harvey, who came from Andover to have a look round, said: “There are some lovely stalls with lots of interesting things.

“There’s a really nice atmosphere.”

Food producers include a saucisson and mulled wine chalet from Lyon and one from the Alsace region with pretzel sticks and tarte flambées.

Nathalie Frank, from Alsace, said: “We normally go to the Christmas markets in Germany and France so this is our first time at an English Christmas market - we’re really looking forward to it.”

Adrian Dolan, owner of Bath Aqua Glass, added: “The weather is ideal for our opening day, blue skies and bright sunshine – what more could you want?

“The Christmas market here has got a lovely feel and it’s definitely got the potential to be very successful.”

The official opening is at 7pm tonight, with a celebration lantern parade, and the market will remain in the Guildhall Square for the next 18 days.

The market will be open from 10am to 6pm daily, with late nights until 7pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

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