HUNDREDS of people turned up to visit a town's first ever festive market.

Festivities were in full spirit at Glebe Park in Bowness on Sunday as the town welcomed its first ever first market.

The markets began at Bowness two years ago where they were initially ran on a monthly basis.

However, they proved so popular, organisers began running the markets every Sunday from February to December.

This year, the team decided to run the first ever festive market to get visitors in the Christmas spirit.

The event, which was held from 10am until 4pm on Sunday, had a host of festive entertainment including: Astral Circus, a brass band, Santa's grotto, jugglers, entertainers, a wreath-making class, and local traders.

Event organiser Caroline Smith-dance said the event was a success, with an estimated 1,500 people visiting the market throughout the day.

She said: "The markets have run for just over two years and have survived and thrived through Covid, offering a safe friendly place to shop in addition to the fantastic shops in Bowness and an opportunity to support local traders.

"We decided to run the first ever festive market at Glebe Park in Bowness and it was a huge success.

"We had a lovely email off one trader saying what a great atmosphere the market was and thanking us for making it happen. It was full of laughter from start to finish

"We received support from Windermere and Bowness town council which enabled us to provide entertainment."

The team also handed out an award to local trader of the year, which was given to Rosie's Home Bakes

Speaking on why the organisers named Rosie the winner, Ms Smith-Dance said: "Rosie is a local girl who started with us on the very first market.

"She is there virtually every week with her home bakes and usually sells out.

"She is a massive supporter of the markets and to see young people grow their business in these difficult times deserves recognition."

Ms Smith-Dance revealed that the organisers have already began planning for next year's event - and are hoping to host a pirate-themed event in summer for families to enjoy.

The markets run weekly each Sunday from February to December at Glebe Park in Bowness.