the market

The market's opening day coincided with the Belfast Christmas lights switch-on, with a number of roads in the city centre closed.

Celebrating its 20th year, the market is anticipating about one million visitors over its five-week run.

Allan Hartwell, managing director of Market Place which runs the Christmas event, said he first heard about the traffic issues shortly before arriving in the city for the market's set up.

This year, a chalet has been set aside in a prime location to allow for six young business owners to operate in the market for free.

Another initiative by Market Place, called the Jolly Big Business Boost, allows one local business to operate at the market free of charge.