FESTIVE fayre and winter tipples were the order of the day as hundreds of people got into the Christmas spirit in Bolton’s Victoria Square.

Traders from the Christmas Market set up shop for a four-day Yuletide bonanza.

The event has been organised by events company Taste of the North West — the organisation behind the Manchester Food and Drink Festival — in conjunction with Bolton Council.

Phil Jones, director of Taste of the North West, said: “We’ve got a wide range of stalls to tempt shoppers.

“It has gone really well so far, it’s certainly nice and busy. People seem to be enjoying the festive atmosphere.”

One of the most popular attractions is a Polish stall run by Robert Markowski, aged 25, offering traditional stew and beer from his homeland.

He said: “Lots of people have asked to try our traditional food. Everyone has been very friendly.”

Other tasty treats on offer at the stalls include hog roast, pick-and-mix and a warming Pimm’s Winter drink.

Stallholder Daniela Freedman, aged 24, is enjoying Bolton’s hospitality. Ms Freedman, who works for Essentially Natural, a family-run business in Irwell Vale, said: “This is one of the best markets we’ve done. I’m sure it will make people feel very festive.”

Shopper Paula Garratt, aged 45, from Bury, came to Bolton to visit the market.

She said: “We heard about the markets in the newspaper and thought we’d pop down.

“I think it’s great. There’s a really good variety of things that you don’t have in normal shops.

“We went to the markets in Manchester and it was so busy you could hardly move. This is much better.”

The market’s success is welcome news to Cllr John Byrne, who is Bolton Council’s executive member for development.

He said: “It is a fantastically festive place to do your Christmas shopping, which will really make the town centre come alive.

“We know that Manchester’s Christmas market gets thousands of visitors and we’re looking forward to a good turn-out in Bolton over the next few days.”

Festive shoppers will be able to enjoy the market in Victoria Square today and Saturday, from 10am to 7pm, and on Sunday, from 10am to 4.30pm.