TRADERS and community leaders have praised the success of the Grimsby Telegraph-organised Go To Town This Christmas market.
Thousands of visitors attended the two-day event in the town centre, including watching 11-year-old Jake Storr, who has cerebral palsy, officially switch on the lights.
And Freshney Place has reported a 30 per cent increase in sales, compared to last year, with scores of shoppers snapping up presents on the first night of late-night shopping.
The event, organised by the Grimsby Telegraph in association with North East Lincolnshire Council and Freshney Place, was hailed a resounding success by traders who held stalls along Victoria Street.
They had the opportunity to promote their products and services at the two-day market, which came to a close yesterday.
Trudy Hewitt, of Scartho-based Houlton Wines, said: "It has gone pretty well. There has been a steady flow over the two days.
"Our gift range of Christian Audiger bottles has been popular. They are ideal gifts for Christmas. The lantern gift set with a miniature bottle has also gone very well."
The Grimsby Minster also hosted the Fabulous Fair, where craftswoman Roz Williams, of The Old Smithy, in Barton, said: "We are all pleased because it has been supported so well and nice to see so much interest in crafts."
The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Councillor Mike Burton praised the event and its organisation.
Freshney Place's centre director Amanda Austin said: "The shopping centre has seen a busy start to the Christmas trading season, with shoppers hitting the stores from as early as November 1.
"Aided by the town's Christmas Market and this week's build-up to the festivities, shoppers have been getting very much into the Christmas spirit.
"Many of the stores have reported an increase in sales, some of as much as 30 per cent on last year.
"Late night shopping saw many of the shops busy until 9pm. This has definitely been one of the best launches of late-night shopping in terms of both visitor numbers and spend."
This year, Santa has his very own seat in the shopping centre, near BHS, with a huge illuminated Christmas cracker above and other interactive decorations.
He will be in the centre every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and is free to visit.
And there will be a chance for children to have their photos taken with Santa by professional photographers from the Grimsby Telegraph on Thursday between 5pm and 6.30pm and Sundays from noon to 2pm.
