SHOPPERS are being treated to the sights and sounds of a traditional Christmas market, which has opened in Oxford’s Broad Street.

Food, drink and a Victorian carousel are among 40 stalls and attractions at the Oxford Christmas Market, which runs until December 22.

The market, which opened for trade yesterday, had been held at Oxford Castle Quarter. The redeveloped siite, centered on the former Oxford Prison, last held the market in 2011 after staging it for three successive years.

Organiser Nicole Rahimi had wanted to move it because of what she said was a lack of passing trade at the castle.

The castle instead held a so-called Snow Factory of family activities, starting in November and finishing last Sunday.

Among the traders in Broad Street is David Spain, who sells marble coasters.

He said yesterday: “It has been a bit slow but then it is the first day.”

Praising the “terrific” market, he said: “Half the population don’t know it’s here. But it will liven up I’m sure.”

The market runs from 10am-8pm, from Thursday to Saturday, and from 10am – 7pm Sunday to Wednesday.