German Market

The idea of a real German market operating in Southampton city centre in the build up to Christmas may have raised a few eyebrows among critics earlier in the year, but there was certainly no shortage of patronage this evening despite steady rain.
This was the picture in the city’s Above Bar precinct where the German market is set out, and while some of the stalls may have been struggling for takers in the inclement weather, there was no lack of interest for places providing shelter.
The city said it anticipated visitors would be in for a real treat for the festive season with the introduction of a brand new Christmas Festival.
The German market is as near a realistic traditional German market as you could get, with brand new specially made alpine chalets which include features on traditional arts, crafts and gift stalls as well as authentic German sausages and beer, music and entertainment. Oh yes, and it is run by a German market company, which has run a similar festive market in Bristol for the past seven years.
It says it has been looking to Southampton as its new challenge and believes its market and festival in the city has not existed in this manner anywhere in the UK before.

This evening it appeared to be winning plenty of support, despite the offering of covered shopping mall Christmas alternatives only yards away.