WHY head into Manchester when Bolton’s very own Christmas markets are right on the door step?

That was the view of one happy shopper who said she chooses Bolton over Manchester every year.

Bolton’s Christmas Markets kicked off this weekend as the temperatures plummeted and most woke up to snow.

The markets are spread throughout the town centre on Deansgate, Victoria Square, by The Market Place, in Newport Street and in Oxford Street.

And despite the freeze shoppers were out but traders said they felt trade was down.

David Bryce, who runs The Finest Fudge Co. said: “The weather is against us.”

He compared it to Solihull where he had been last week which was ‘Baltic’. He said: “It’s the economy though, it’s getting worse and worse.”

Hayley Rowan who was buying lunch at the markets, said: “We always love them. It’s great they do all this for Bolton and they have the food festival too.

“You have to support local events. I choose Bolton over Manchester every year.”

Jane Cooke, who is running the Yes Chef Mexican stall, said: “It’s been quiet.”

Mrs Cooke was hopefully the markets would pick up as time went on and the weather calmed down.

She said: “We probably need to give it a chance but the snow has helped make it more Christmassy.”

She hoped her spicy food might warm up the shoppers.

Nicola Azazy was visiting the markets with her daughter Amirah, aged nine.

Mrs Azazy had bought a steak sandwich for a homeless man and was hoping it would help him feel warmer on the cold Sunday afternoon.

She said that she and her daughter were both enjoying the markets.

Mrs Azazy added: “It’s the first time we have been and there’s plenty of halal options, which you don’t normally get.”

The markets will continue until December 20 along with the Santa’s Grotto, ice rink and slide.