Shoppers shrug off cold at Walsall night market

Almost 70 stalls were set up in the town centre last night, offering an array of handmade goods and food.

Organisers held the event following the success of the first night market, which took place in October last year.

Live singers, street entertainment, children's craft workshops, rides and the Mamma Mia Italian Market also supported the event.

Among the visitors were Abi Fry, aged 23, of Priestley Road, Beechdale, who brought along her 54-year-old mother, Voni Fry.

The law student said: "It was freezing cold but the market was nice and it was quite busy.

"We bought some cupcakes and sweets. The entertainment was lively.

"There wasn't as much there as I thought there would be, but I'd come back."

Bloxwich West Councillor Patti Lane was with friends at the event and bought some earrings and sweets.

The 62-year-old, of Redruth Close, said: "There were some excellent things on the stalls.

"It had a good atmosphere. I would recommend it to others. It gave the town centre a real boost."

Daycare assistant Michelle Clews, 45, took her 17-year-old daughter Beth to the night market and bought a range of homemade craft items.

The mother-of-five, of Dartmouth Avenue, said: "It was lovely. I liked the craft stalls. It was better than I expected and I would go back."

Stallholder Sarah Mansell, who has been running her business, Sarah's Feisty Flavours, for more than a year, travelled from Bromsgrove to sell her homemade preserves.

The 46-year-old said: "It's been fairly steady. A lot of people have tried samples and bought quite a lot.

"I've enjoyed it. It's been really well organised."

The idea of a night market was included in Walsall's failed bid to become a Portas Pilot town, under a national scheme run by retail guru Mary Portas.

Despite missing out on the status, the Walsall Town Centre Champions ploughed ahead with the event.