Local stallholders displayed their wares and creations at the Folk & Costume Museum in Saumarez Park.
More festivities will follow, with free mulled wine and mince pies available today and tomorrow before the museum closes for the year, with the Ad-Hoc Recorders playing from 2pm.
‘Monday’s market went incredibly well,’ said Merrie Jee, museum manager.
‘We think it was our best one yet, we’ve run these for at least four years.
‘Despite the weather it was so full you couldn’t get in or out, both inside and outside.
‘We had over 400 people who were non-members [of the National Trust], which we know because they paid £1 entry.
‘This number doesn’t account for members, stallholders, and council members, so we are very pleased at how well it went.’
Punch and Judy performed twice and the Glee Singers sang Christmas Carols.
Preparation began in September by contacting various local stallholders.
‘From Sunday the stallholders started coming down to set up. I had been doing bits on and off since we closed for the season in November.
‘I love Christmas lights so put loads up, it was definitely atmospheric.
‘We had 23 pitches, including our admissions and shop stalls, so had 21 local stalls.
‘We had a few carpenters and wood turners.
‘One stall had a couple who had turned wooden tree ornaments and made wreaths from dried flowers.’
Much on offer was sustainably produced or made of natural materials.
‘There were lots of things made of wool, and a book stall with new, secondhand and vintage books along with Blue Ormer, who have been for a few years.
‘Local food was on offer, and we had Wallow down for the first time in their converted horse box. The converted Randalls tram was down too, which while queuing explains how it was converted on the side. This all sat quite well with us.’
Stock has repeatedly run out in the museum shop this year.
‘Luckily we got some more chocolates in, which we were expecting to come in for the Market, but unfortunately didn’t arrive in time.
‘We are expecting to be quite busy this Friday and Saturday, our free mulled wine and mince pies days are our most popular days.
‘Ad-Hoc Recorders offered to do Christmas carols as a last minute thing.
‘It has been a year of unexpected things, so it’s good to have something positive to look forward to.’
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