The start of Oxford's Christmas market was delayed by Storm Bert.

The annual celebration fills Broad Street every year and was due to start on Saturday.

But the wet weather and high winds delayed the opening of the market by a day and stalls did not start trading until Sunday afternoon.

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City council spokesman Tony Ecclestone said: "Following monitoring of the weather and the site, the Christmas in Broad Street event opened on Sunday at lunchtime.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) "The weather will continue to be monitored and the market will be stopped, if necessary, at any point throughout the duration, in order to protect the safety of the public and the site."

After the rain stopped today, the market was busy with tourists, students and residents visiting food stalls and craft stalls.

Keston Events has taken over the running of the event from LSD Promotions, and there are 32 craft stalls and six food stalls.

One of the new attractions is a two-storey wooden 'alpine' lodge - the Apres Ski Bar - halfway along the street selling beers and other drinks. A cup of mulled wine costs £6.10.

Staff said the bar's balcony remains closed, but it is expected to open soon.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) Trader Miles Radley, selling Spanish grater plates, has been trading at the market for 10 years.

He said: "Last year there were gazebos but this year it's back to the wooden huts, which is much more like a Christmas market.

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"The opening was delayed by a day but I think people were concerned about high winds - better safe than sorry.

"The weather forecast for the next couple of days is better."

(Image: Andy Ffrench) Osman Hokelek, from London, is running a stall selling winter accessories.

He said: "It's lovely here - a lovely city.

"We opened on Sunday and we probably did better then than we have so far today."

A German 'swing grill' is selling German sausages, starting from £8.

"Trade is starting to pick up - we're really looking forward to it," said a member of staff.

Browsing at the market were Brasenose College students Rudra Thakkar and Katie Pitcher, both 20.

"It feels more like Christmas now the market is here," said Miss Pitcher.

A statement from market organisers says: "From the bustling market stalls on Broad Street to live music that fills the air with holiday cheer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

"Savour mouth-watering street food, find the perfect gift or simply soak in the festive atmosphere. 

"And when you need a break, head over to the cosy Alpine Lodge, our two-storey bar where you can warm up with a seasonal drink."

The market stalls are sharing space with a cycle lane, which runs alongside it.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.