SOUTHAMPTON'S Christmas bars are set to open for an extra day due to public demand.

Market operators Wela Marte say they will keep the main bar area and sausage grill open on Christmas Eve to allow residents and shoppers one more day of festive fun.

The main bar and grill will now be open from 10am until 4pm on Christmas Eve, meaning shoppers will have the chance to have lunch and a drink.

Councillor Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said: "The Christmas festival has been a huge success again this year, with hundreds of thousands of people from the local area visiting the city to experience all it has to offer.

"We've had a lot of positive feedback and so many requests for the market to stay open on Christmas Eve that we've asked the market operators to run the main bar and sausage grill for an extra day to give everyone the chance to further enjoy the festivities."