THOUSANDS of people got into the festive spirit and stocked up on unique gifts at Cleethorpes' first Community Christmas Market.
Held at Pleasure Island, the event showcased local crafts and produce, as well as offering residents the chance to find out about local community groups.
The market, which was part-funded by the National Lottery, aimed to help groups gain feedback on their plans for the future.
There was also the chance for little ones to meet Father Christmas and enjoy some of the attraction's fairground rides, while adults enjoyed live entertainment.
Anne Tate, northern Lincolnshire manager for Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, was exhibiting items made by her business, Mojo Crafts.
She said: "It's been a fantastic event for local businesses, especially retailers who've been able to come along and make the most of Cleethorpes' first Christmas market.
"I hope this event will go from strength to strength and become an annual institution."
Helping to organise the event was Mick Enright, who is involved in CleeFest musical festivals.
He said: "The feedback has been tremendous and we're already looking at ways we can make next year's event bigger and better.
"Why should people have to go to Lincoln for the Christmas market when we can have our own right here?"
Selling Fabulously Fruit wine from Peaks Top Farm was Julie Collins.
She said: "There's been a fantastic atmosphere at the market and everybody seems to be enjoying themselves.
"We started making the wine as a way to diversify and use up any fruit which wasn't picked during the summer.
"The reaction to the wine has been really good – we've been giving out lots of tasters."
Steven Bennett, executive head chef at the Comfy Duck, in Laceby's Oaklands Hall Hotel, was handing out tasters of homemade bread, biscuits and chutneys to visitors.
He said: "We've been drumming up interest in all of the products we make and sell in the restaurant and the response has been really good.
"I think this event could easily become our version of Lincoln's Christmas market."
Alex Burton, from Stokes of Lincoln, which sells coffee throughout the county, said: "We've built up quite a name for ourselves in Lincolnshire and we're starting to expand further afield.
"We don't actually exhibit at Lincoln Christmas Market because we have so many stockists in the city, but we wanted to come up to Cleethorpes because we're not as well known here."
Trying her hand at arts and crafts was Emily Marchant, 10, from Cleethorpes, who attended with her dad, Phil Marchant, 31.
She said: "I've met Santa and got some toys and now I'm colouring in an angel."
Phil added: "We saw the event advertised and thought we'd come along. It's really good for a free event."
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