The annual festive markets are a vital part of many people's Christmas calendars, with this year's sprawling medley of booths and bars dominating the iconic St George's Plateau in Liverpool's city centre. Those craving hot chocolate, mulled wine, giant Bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, pick 'n' mixes and all manner of sweet and savoury snacks and beverages are positively spoiled for choice this year.
"The weather has been awful. It was hard setting up in the bad weather. I love it and I love Liverpool. I do it every year but this year I'm going on holiday - it was planned a year ago, so I can't stay until Christmas Eve - the Canaries beckons." David, 47, said: "I love the Christmas market here. I love the people of Liverpool - they're a lovely bunch, they have good banter and they like a bit of cheddar. It's been really well attended - when you put something on in Liverpool, you come together and turn out.
This year, Monika has also brought the Warm Wool Stand, which sells slippers, hats and more. The 32-year-old, who lives in Liverpool, told the ECHO: "We love it, we feel like the Christmas market is like a family because we've had so many years together. It looks lovely. There's lovely people in Liverpool, every year we get the same customers coming back.
Andy, from Liverpool, said: "It's been really good this year, it's a bit bigger than last year - there's no roadworks so there's more stalls and better access. People seem to really like it, it's been a lot busier this year."