Exciting details have been received from Birmingham City Council of their Frankfurt Market and other Christmas events and attractions.

The Frankfurt Christmas market starts on the 17th November and will be in the City until 23rd December. This year’s market is bigger than ever with more than 80 stalls.

For further information call 0121 767 4141 or log onto www.birmingham.gov.uk/christmas

The press release issued by Birmingham City Council confirms that;

The Frankfurt Christmas Market

"Back by popular demand, the Frankfurt Christmas market returns to Birmingham on November 17. With over 80 stalls the market is the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria and is part of a tradition, which dates back to 1393.

The stalls will be open from 10am until 8pm every day and will cover the whole of Victoria Square and stretch down New Street as far as Bennetts Hill. New stalls for 2005 include those selling traditional German jams, glove puppets and ceramic figures.

As well as purchasing unusual gifts such as handmade toys, candles, glasswork and traditional, hand-painted Christmas decorations you can also sample the tempting treats offered by traders.

Hot food such as Bratwurst (grilled sausages) is available along with fresh bread, roasted chestnuts, ginger bread shapes, chocolate covered fruit and sweets, all of which are scrumptious, especially when accompanied by a glass of Glühwein (mulled wine).

There are also special events at the market and the first of these is a family day on 19 November from 10am until 8pm. The market will be officially opened by the Lord Mayor at 2pm and throughout the day there will be activities for children such as story telling, arts and crafts and entertainment including a German brass band and choir.

As part of the Frankfurt Market there is a fairground carousel permanently in Victoria Square and every weekend there will be afternoon and evening concerts on a bandstand in the heart of the market.

Family days will be held on 3 and 10 December and there will be a Christmas Carol Concert on 18 December.

The Frankfurt Market will be in the city until 23 December and is supported by 96.4 BRMB and the Birmingham Mail".