MANCHESTER'S famous festive markets are returning for their 10th year - and this time they will run up to the last weekend before Christmas.

It all started in 1998 with a small 17 traders from Frankfurt. Now, it is now one of the biggest events of its kind in Europe.

This year there will be 200 stalls offering a heady mix of European and local produce, arts and crafts, fashion items and gifts.

Organisers have responded to complaints that the markets end too early by extending their run to Sunday December 21.

This includes the last big shopping weekend before Christmas. There will be six sites across the city, with the addition of a new location in Exchange Square.

Last year the markets brought an estimated £42m of extra business to the city.

An average of 43,000 people a day visited the main Albert Square market over the five-week run.

Coun Pat Karney, city centre spokesman said: "The Christmas market continues to go from strength to strength, and we are delighted to be celebrating 10 years of what has become the mainstay of our events calendar."

The main European market in Albert Square opens on Tuesday, November 18. The layout has been re-planned to ease congestion, increase space and improve the shopping experience.

St Ann's Square will host the German market, Brazennose Street a world market and Exchange Street an arts and crafts market. There will also be markets on New Cathedral Street and Exchange Square.

Mark Legomski, the city's head of markets said: "The success of the Christmas market is phenomenal."

Manchester's Christmas lights switch-on, which heralds the start of the city's festive season, will take place between 6pm and 7.30pm on Friday November 7.

The fun will include celebrity guests, live music, costumed characters and a firework finale.