A RECORD number of shoppers converged on Manchester Christmas Market during the final weekend of its five-week run.

Early indications are that the market - which finishes tonight - will have generated even more revenue for the city than last year's record-breaking £42.6m.

Two hundred stallholders from across Europe have filled the city centre's streets since November 18 selling everything from mulled wine to ethically sourced stocking fillers.

Manchester council extended the run of this year's event to include the final weekend before Christmas to maximise trade for the stallholders and opportunities for shoppers.

Pat Karney, the council's city centre spokesman, said: "This is the 10th anniversary for the Christmas Market and it is the most successful and atmospheric - despite the credit crunch.

"It has been standing room only during the evenings pretty much since it opened and the market is recognised as one of the most successful markets of its kind in Europe - and that's helped put Manchester on the map.

"Additionally, it has been proven to be one of the most popular seasonal attractions in the north of England with people travelling from as far away as Scotland to enjoy what's on offer."

Bulb stall holder Dirk Vanderwardt from Arnhem, in mid Holland, is among the traders who have been attending the Christmas Market since it opened 10 years ago.

He said: "People have been spending despite the economic problems which has certainly been a good thing for the stall-holders.

"From my position, the pound is now worth 15 cents less than it was six weeks ago which has impacted my profits badly.

Atmosphere

"But as far as atmosphere goes, it's difficult to beat this Christmas Market."

Jos Van Oostrum from the village of SpakenBurg, in north Holland, is the owner of 'Provencal Garlic and More' which supplies a range of culinary and ceramic gifts.

He said: "This is my fifth year now and it's been another successful year with many of my dedicated customers coming back to see me.

"I think that a lot of the event's success - even when cash is scarce - is the excellent atmosphere and range of products available here."

Joanne Pollard, from Glossop, who owns Aztec Arts which sells a range of Fairtrade gifts from around the world, said: "People are still spending but I have noticed that they are buying items as presents rather than for themselves this year."

Research carried out by Manchester City Council has shown that £26m was spent last year in shops by people attracted to the city centre by the markets, while a further £7m went on food and drink, £4.5m on travel, £3.5m on accommodation, and around £1.6m to leisure venues such as theatres and cinemas.

The markets began in 1998 with just 17 stallholders, brought to Manchester by the city of Frankfurt.