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Nine things you said about South Shields Christmas market as first event welcomes thousands

The South Shields community has praised the success of the town’s first outdoor festive market, which attracted thousands of shoppers to stock up at the stalls.
Debra Fox
By Debra Fox
Published 11th Dec 2019, 09:34 BST- 2 min read
Updated 11th Dec 2019, 11:03 BST
South Shields Market Place filled with stalls and shoppers on Saturday, December 7.South Shields Market Place filled with stalls and shoppers on Saturday, December 7.
South Shields Market Place filled with stalls and shoppers on Saturday, December 7.

Organisers hosted the Christmas market on Saturday, December 7 at South Shields Market Place. It featured a wide range of pitches, live entertainment and a Santa’s Grotto for little ones to enjoy.

Many readers applauded the market, which bosses say welcomed around 30,000 people over the course of the day, saying it was the first step in restoring the hustle and bustle to South Shields town centre.

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Others called for further Christmas stalls to be added to the repertoire while some criticised the variety of goods on offer.

Organisers have estimated around 30,000 shoppers hit Market Place over the course of the day.Organisers have estimated around 30,000 shoppers hit Market Place over the course of the day.
Organisers have estimated around 30,000 shoppers hit Market Place over the course of the day.
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Free parking was in force on the day of the market - something which residents say should be extended to encourage more people to shop locally.

Here is what you said about the market on the Shields Gazette Facebook page:

Karen Auty: “Proof in the pudding, Shields need shops cafes markets and community spirit.”

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Simon Metcalf: “Look at what a little free parking does to the town. Why not keep that going and maybe the high street shops will reappear. Just a thought...”

Hark! The herald angels sing.Hark! The herald angels sing.
Hark! The herald angels sing.

Wendy Foreman: “It was great to see the market and King Street buzzing but very disappointed at so few Christmas stalls. Still too much tat.”

Tom Quantrill: “Buzzing to see this, our little town has so much potential, just needs some input from the community and a little bit of elbow grease.”

David Thompson: “Well done to all the people who made this happen. I am so pleased there was such a fantastic turn out. Have a merry Christmas Shields.”

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Alan Clark: “What a fantastic event which was organised within a few weeks and attracted so many people to South Shields.”

Pamela Sharp: “Was great to see it busy well done to all involved in the organising it reminded me of when I was a child and the market being packed.”

Mark Flett: “Brilliant news. The town is now fighting back austerity... about time!”

Lisa Wightman: “Everyone complaining about ‘tat’. It's a MARKET! If you want designer clothes, 18ct gold jewellery, iPads, pure cashmere scarves etc, go to a department store!”