BEDFORD Place has celebrated the festive season with its first-ever Christmas market. 

Over 100 visitors walked through stalls of independent traders, street food and drink, and live music this weekend as part of a new market.

The Christmas celebrations were held along Carlton Place and Lower Banister Street with hopes to bring more variety to the city.

Organisers, The Village Popup, announced plans to run the market earlier this month and said it has been a "happy success".

READ MORE: Southampton man decorates car in Christmas lights

Events manager for the market, Tobi Stidolph, said he hopes to return the market next year.

Daily Echo: Bedford Place Chrismtas Market 2022Bedford Place Chrismtas Market 2022 (Image: Hannah De Boltz, Newsquest)

The 28-year-old said: "Saturday was a good test of the water. A lot of locals turned up and it was a very good first day.

"We hope to build up our reputation and work with more independent traders so that even more people can come down.

"When it comes to Christmas, people are here to spend money and want to find something different that I think we provide.

"The live music has been super nice too. A lot of local artists and bands. The whole event is open to everyone and we've been welcomed too."

The Christmas market offered independent traders selling a range of goods including raw honey, brownies, handcrafted soap, and jewellery. 

All live music at the event was performed by Hampshire-based artists including The Henrys, Matthew Hovenden, and Fragile Lucy.

Drinks were provided by Winter Warming Bar Co and Unity Brew after opening its new shop on Bedford Place.

Earlier this month the city welcomed the return of the main Christmas market in Above Bar Street.

The event is being run by S&D Leisure and will be a feature in the city centre up until Christmas Eve. 

However, the highly-anticipated festive treat had previously been pulled when organisers Wela Märkets unexpectedly decided not to return to Southampton

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook