It may be only the beginning of June but the team behind Chester’s Christmas market are already searching for stallholders for this year’s festive season.

Marketing Cheshire will be managing the Christmas market for the third year running after what they say has been a ‘growing success’ of the past two years .

And after some previous controversy about how long the market lasted, this year it is set to remain open longer, from November 18 - December 20 seven days a week from 10am-6pm with late night shopping on Thursdays until 8pm and 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

So far, more than a third of last year’s traders have already confirmed their place at this year’s festivities, consisting of 70 wooden chalets outside the Town Hall, and once again there will be local and regional products including crafts, clothing, homeware, jewellery and unique gifts, as well as a festive food and drink offering.

The covered bar will return for 2015, as will the Children’s Activity Zone.

Bernard Rostron, of Priya Trading, said: “We thought the market was a real winner and we were happy with footfall and the trade it generated. We had worked very hard on our 2014 designs and we are very glad we brought them to Chester - with hard work, thought through products and good staff attitude this is a great market to sell at.

“The very high levels of professionalism and caring from the organising team made a big difference to our setup, take-down and day to day effort - we wanted for nothing.”

Katrina Michel, Chief Executive of Marketing Cheshire, added: “This year’s Chester Christmas Market will be filled with culinary delights from local producers as well as unique crafts and gifts that cannot be bought on the high street.

“Our market team will be spreading festive cheer and the welcoming festive bars will be well-stocked with the spirit of Christmas. Once again we look forward to working with partners in the city to coordinate a standout Christmas marketing campaign for Chester, to attract

visitors from all over the UK and around the world.”

To apply for a stall visit www.christmasinchester.com where you can download an application form or for more information email christmasmarket@marketingcheshire.co.uk