A SPRING market was in full bloom as thousands of eager visitors flocked to Holker Hall this weekend.

The inaugural Holker Spring Market has gone down as a great success as more than 3,000 visitors streamed into Holker Hall and Gardens.

Looking to build on the success of its massively popular winter market, the team at Holker is confident this event will soon be growing year on year.

Jillian Rouse, head of visitor services at the hall said: "We're very pleased with our first Holker Spring Market, it was a steady Saturday but with better weather on Sunday people came in their droves.

"We're really pleased with the outcome and want to build on it next year, we're hoping it will be a firm favourite in years to come, and as popular as the winter market."

The event saw 70 stall holders showcasing their wares. Local food and drink merchants, as well as plant sellers and entertainers were all on hand to keep visitors busy.

There was also enough room at the market for people to bring their canine companions along to enjoy the event, with handy water bowls scattered throughout the market to make sure the dogs had a good time too.

Mrs Rouse said the food in particular went down well. She said: "I think the food stands are always popular and at this time of year the plants too. People were carrying armfuls of plants back to their cars."

One of the stallholders, Judith Wren from Kin Vodka said: "Events at Holker are always fantastic in a beautiful setting. It's well attended for the first year and we're sure it will grow as others have."

Organisers made steps to ensure the market was for everyone, making it as family friendly as possible. Jazz musician Andy Reay performed to an enthusiastic crowed, and there was a circus workshop to keep the kids entertained.

Also making its debut at the market was a range of crystal designed by Lady Cavendish, manufactured by renowned local artisans, Cumbria Crystal.

With the first market now out of the way the staff at Holker are now ready to build on their success for next year. The goal is for one day the Spring Market to match the 8,000 who came to the Hall in November for the winter market.

Mrs Rouse said: "It's the ambition to get the Spring Market up to that level in the coming years."

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Holker Hall was up for large visitor attraction of the year in a prestigious tourism competition

Easter shoppers got their hands on some delightful treats at a South Lakes market