World-famous Birmingham Christmas market returns with 'magic' of an ice rink
The smell of festive frankfurters, hot Gluhwein and sweet pretzels will fill the air once again this year as the Birmingham's Christmas markets, open for business on Thursday.
More than 190 stalls will be set up in the city centre stretching for more than one mile from the Bullring all the way to the ICC in Centenary Square as the world famous market arrives.
The largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria, it attracted more than four million visitors last year from all over Europe.
Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Mike Leddy, said: "It gives me great pleasure to welcome back the Frankfurt Market to Birmingham for its 13th year. This year's 39 day event will provide a fantastic festive celebration for all our visitors to enjoy.
"It will also give a welcome boost to our shops, restaurants and hotels, which are set to benefit from the additional visitors that the markets attract from the UK and Europe."
Mayor of Frankfurt, Peter Feldmann, added: "I am delighted to join Birmingham's Lord Mayor in opening Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market, which has a truly authentic feel to it.
"It is really heartwarming that local people, and indeed visitors from all over Britain, enjoy the market and return each year to enjoy its sights and taste our traditional food." The market runs from November 14 to December 22 from 10am to 9pm daily. As well as the market, an outdoor ice rink also returns to the city.
The Winter Skate attraction will be located in Centenary Square.
First sessions start at 7pm on November 16 and it then runs from 10am to 10pm from November 17 to January 5, except Christmas Day.
Deputy city council leader, Councillor Ian Ward, said: "Visitors and locals alike will be able to enjoy the magic of open air ice skating in our festive ice rink throughout the season."
