THE sun shone in Skipton at the weekend as thousands of visitors flocked to Skipton to enjoy the festivities at the second and final award winning Christmas Market of the year.

Almost 25,000 people went along to the first festive market, with an estimated just under 30,000 at Sunday's second - and last - Christmas market of the year.

Skipton Town Council, which organises the event, which earlier this year was voted 'best large speciality market' said both market traders and businesses had reported a 'significant increase' in takings over the last two weekends.

Kerry Wheelwright, the council's events and tourism manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted at how well the Christmas Markets have gone this year and the footfall the town has had. We work tirelessly year round to promote Skipton, and the footfall over the two weekends shows our hard work is continuing to pay off. This is very positive for the retailers in town and for our market.”

She added special thanks must go to the Skipton Business Improvement District (BID) for its financial input.

"Skipton BID are an asset to our town and without them we would struggle to put on the events and promote Skipton as well as we do, she said.

"I would also like to thank all the market traders and businesses in Skipton for getting involved and contributing to making the event as fabulous as it is”.

Visitors were treated to over 150 market stalls, street entertainment, live bands, a floating Santa’s grotto boat, an igloo photo booth, rodeo reindeer, festive walkabout acts, brass bands and much more.

Visitors came to join in the festivities from as far away as Scotland, South Wales, Norway and Portugal.

Ms Wheelwright added: "Skipton Town Council would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came and celebrated the festive season with us at the Skipton Christmas Markets."

The council is asking people to share any photographs they may have taken of the event on its Christmas Markets Facebook page.