'For me it's the German Christmas market. It began last year for the first time, because it became apparent the festive spirit was distinctly lacking in the city centre. We'd have the switching-on of the lights, and then nothing much else until Christmas.

'What we do with the German market is have log stalls all the way from the fountain to Marks & Spencer.

'Visitors can enjoy a glass of gluhwein, and it creates a real seasonal spirit, and brings more people to the site from November 15 to December 21.

'I came across the German traders by being a member of the association of town centre managers, and decided to go straight to them.

'We communicated in English, although I had some schoolboy German. Their English is broken, but we're all businessmen, working to a common goal, so they understand it more than they can speak it.

'Since it's been here, it's brought millions to the town centre, at least. It's not just about what the traders make. It brings more people to the city centre.'