PREPERATION is underway to bring Bournemouth’s popular Christmas market back to the town centre.

This year’s market will kick-start the festive magic in The Square on Thursday, November 14, with the Alpine Lodge Bar opening at 6pm.

And organiser Seventa Events has begun construction at the site, with its teams beginning to construct the 40 market huts and the two-storey Alpine Lodge.

Featuring local and national traders, the markets will sell a range of unique gifts, crafts and festive treats, with returning favourites such as hot chocolate from Norris & Binglewort and handmade pizzas by El Murrino.

The market forms a key part of Bournemouth’s festive offering, which also includes the dazzling Christmas Tree Wonderland lights trail and SKATE Ice Rink.

It will be open daily from Friday, November 15 until Wednesday, January 1.

Simon Brooks, director of Seventa Events, said: “It’s truly a community celebration, and we look forward to welcoming everyone.”