Birmingham has once more been transformed into a little corner of Frankfurt after the traditional German market officially opened for business

Dozens of traders this week hit the streets selling their wares as well as warming winter refreshments for thousands of shoppers.

Stall worker Gloria Recio, said: “I really like the city, the people are friendly, they come after work and really enjoy having a gluhwein.”

The 44-year-old Spaniard, said: “My Christmas is here. There will be not one day off – so it’s a long Christmas, I promise.”

Marlis Loewenthal, from Frankfurt, who owns all the market’s alcohol and food stalls, is back in Birmingham for the 11th time this year.

The 56-year-old said: “The people are very friendly in Birmingham and so every year, in the last few days, they come to the stalls and say to us ‘please come back together next year, we hope we see you soon – the German market is very beautiful’ so I think we are very popular.

“People enjoy the food, the drink and the gifts. They like German gluhwein and beer, sausages and schnitzel.

“Oor sausages are not so fatty, very delicious and a little bit spicy.”

Returning, too, are festive favourites including a giant garlic bulb bread shop and a Father Christmas-shaped creperie, all in Victoria Square and a merry-go-round is once again beside the Floozie in the Jacuzzi.

The market runs until December 23.

An alternative to the German version is the 24 Carrots market in the Jewellery Quarter.

Shoppers can top up their larder and choose from a range of Christmas gifts with more food stalls plus a variety of craft stalls.

Business owner Alan Sharman commented “The local market is great. It seems to be bucking the trend and actually expanding in the current economic climate. It’s nice to support local businesses at this time of year.”

The market is on Saturday November 19, 10am-3pm outside the Big Peg in Warstone Lane, B18 6NA. The following market is on December 17.