Manchester Christmas Markets taken down with traders reporting on difficult year

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

This year’s Manchester Christmas Markets have drawn to a close after seven weekends of festive fun. The markets, which have been running since 1998, take over the city centre with hundreds of stalls selling everything from bratwurst and hot chocolate to candles and scarves.

This year, the markets have been set up across nine hubs since the beginning of November. Whilst they have still been incredibly popular, with the likes of Flat Baker and Porky Pig notably drawing in the biggest of crowds over the seven weeks, some traders have reported how it's been a little different this year compared to previous ones.

Last week, traders cited the likes of bad weather, train strikes and the soaring cost of living as reasons that they think visitors have been less keen to part with their money - and it’s something that Manchester Council has agreed on too.

Zoe, from the popular Witch House which moved to New Cathedral Street this season, told the Manchester Evening News: "I’d say this has been the worst one.