STALLHOLDERS in Christchurch were pleased to see blue skies for the second day of the town’s festive market as wet weather put a dampener on the opening day.

Dorset Police had initially opposed the Saxon Square event due to concerns “insufficient measures” were in place to manage crowds.

However, after the government’s decision to place BCP Council into Tier 2 meant that event organisers Zoom Events had to scrap plans to host two bars, permission was granted for the market to go ahead.

As one of only a few markets able to be hosted in the county, people have travelled from across the conurbation and further afield to attend.

One visitor to the market said: “My husband and I have come down from Buckinghamshire as we have one of those mobile homes. Since we have been allowed to travel, we wanted to come back to Dorset.

“It is sad that there isn’t the usual Christmas markets in Winchester and Bournemouth but having one here is great. I have just had some Thai food from one of the stalls which was lovely.“My daughter is coming down next week so I will be coming back her to show her around the market as well.”

The market, which contains 20 stalls including crafts and a handful of takeaway businesses, will be open until Sunday December 13.

Covid marshal and security guards were seen at the market overseeing customers and provide guidance when needed.

Regular traders and ones new to the area recorded increases in sales on Thursday compared to the opening day of the market but have said that the weekend trade is what they are looking out for.

Michael Boland, owner of Micky’s Flowers, has a regular store at Saxon Square most Thursdays and Fridays.

He said: “It is good to see people out and about as long as they are all safe and following the guidelines.

“As a street business, it is very much weather dependent and Wednesday was a bit of a non-starter. Yesterday the footfall was a lot better and the amount of people walking around the stalls was a lot better.

“It is so important to have these types of markets to support businesses but as something for local people to go to and to bring in people to the area.

“A big thank you goes out to the community of Christchurch for keeping us going and especially to our loyal customers. They have really come out to help us and support us during these difficult times.”

Existing businesses in Saxon Square have also profited from the market, as queues were seen outside of the post office and shops including The Bay Tree recording a surge in customers.

Manager Alex Francis said: “We have been open throughout so we have had a consistent amount of sales then but the last couple of days have been busy for us.

"The market has helped bring in more people to the area. I feel as though it is a positive for both the high street and for people’s state of mind.

“It doesn’t seem as festive this year, but they aren’t able to sell alcohol and there isn’t the usual carols, but it is good for the town.”

Izzy Peltier, event manager at Zoom Events said: “At the moment it is probably not the best, but word is still spreading about the market.

"When people understand it is not a big, crowded area as many thought it would be, hopefully people will come

“We will see what happens at the weekend as that will be a good indicator as to how busy we will be for the rest of this week and next week.

“We do not have a one-way system in place but if crowds start to build, then we have fencing and marshals to so we can put it in place if needed.

"Similarly, we can fence off the stalls and allow a one in one out kind of thing to limit overcrowding.“We know that the council are on hand as well should we need extra support over the weekend.”