SHOPPERS flocked to a popular market in York at the weekend, with a special birthday celebration held to mark its first anniversary.

Acomb Market, in Front Street and in the Gateway Centre, featured nearly 30 stalls from independent businesses.

Disney princesses and Star Wars characters made appearances and there was also face painting, punch balloons, strawberries and cream, and Pimms.

Traders association Acomb Alive held a fundraising tombola, to raise money for Acomb’s Christmas lights.

Acomb Community Cafe was open inside the Gateway Centre, serving a variety of refreshments, cakes and afternoon teas. This raised more funds for Acomb’s Christmas lights.

Altogether, about £400 was raised for the lights from the cafe’s takings and the tombola.

The market, held on the fourth Saturday of every month, was launched on June 24 last year and over the past 12 months “has gone from strength to strength,” Sally Foots, secretary of Acomb Alive said.

She added: “It went really well on Saturday, it was very busy.

“I put bunting and balloons up, that was a game changer. People were interested to see what was happening.”

Sally says Acomb Alive had been trying to launch a market in Acomb for about four years.

“We got involved with the council side of things, which paved the way for the Market Managers to come and stage the market,” she said.

“Last summer we were allowed a three-month trial. It was extended to allow for a Christmas market. In January, City of York Council said we could have a further 18 months and then it will be reviewed. We’re hoping it will be long term.”

Sally is pleased that the feedback she has received about the market has all been positive.

“There’s definitely been a need for it,” she commented.

She also says the market has had some support from Acomb businesses but she would like to see more get involved.

“We need people to see the work we are doing is not just valuable to the local economy but the community as well,” Sally said.

Anyone who would like to get involved with the market can do so by contacting Acomb Alive via its Facebook page or on Twitter - @AcombAlive