Star treatment

I know it's another Christmas blip, but I couldn't resist capturing the shapes.

This is part of a German Christmas market in Bristol city centre that sprang into life last night when the festive lights were switched on.

However, because I was working late in Cheltenham, I missed the party.

So when I struggled back from Temple Meads station to my flat, there were several illuminated reindeer, large red baubles, Alpine-style shacks selling bratwurst, but very few festive fun-seekers.

Our evening paper said more than 1,000 people turned up. Hmmm.

Anyway, no disrespect to our German friends, but why are our towns and cities visited by German markets at this time of year? What is the connection between Germany and Christmas and Britain?

Turkey is a Christmas dinner plate regular, but bratwurst? What's it all about?

By the way, I've back-blipped one.