Crowds flocked to Court Street today for the entertainment and festive gifts of its final market of the year.

Gary Augustus, a Court Street businessman who helps to organise the regular open-air markets, breathed a sigh of relief that the weather spared the afternoon’s shopping.

“We had high winds this morning, but it’s still been a good crowd — and we have some new vendors taking part, so I’m happy with it, even though some cancelled because of the weather.

“This is the last one for 2023 but we will keep on going strong in the new year. Thanks as always to our sponsors, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and Corporation of Hamilton, because without them it wouldn’t be possible.”

Area merchants got some extra trade ahead of Christmas while guests, including a Florida man on his fifteenth trip to the island, took in the entertainment while on the hunt for last-minute gifts.

Dannielle Joell, of Divine Concepts, was happy showcasing her natural Bermudian-made hair and beauty products alongside Sherrie O’Connor, of Triangle Alternative Health.

Ms Joell, who has come out for the markets before, said she handmade and customised everything, from clothes to mugs, ceramics and glass.

She added: “We’re just a creative hub.”

Ms O’Connor, who runs her office on the adjoining Princess Street, said she was a newcomer to the market.

“Dannielle dragged me out, but it’s been a great chance to show people my range of treatments,” she said.

“I offer body detox, pain management and body analysis services — it’s all about assisting the body with healing using its own natural regenerating abilities.”

Surprised by the turnout, she said near 5pm: “It’s really picked up.”

Shavana Wilson, from the Department for Drug Control, said the market was “a great opportunity for us to get out in the community”.

“We are here to educate people about drugs and the services that we provide. It’s nice to see a lot of people out but I’m here to work.

“Vaping has become a major issue, and we want people to know about the harm it can cause.”

Theresa Bean, of Woollies by Design, was out for her third time this year.

She said the market was a chance for the area’s businesses to pitch in for each other.

“It’s wonderful, the atmosphere is great, and we’ve had a lot of fun with it,” Ms Bean said.

“People on a small budget have been able to find Christmas presents.”

Nadine Dillas, of the Court Street Market Association, was happy after a slow start to the market.

“Every year we improve.”

Ari Smith, who has run her business, Vibe Vanity, for two years, makes the rounds at various markets to showcase her natural lip gloss and body oils.

“Today has been pretty good for me — it’s a chance to get good exposure as well as sales.”

Dennishia Roberts, who opened Embellish Boutique with her sister Dennikia five years ago, was a second-time merchant taking advantage of the foot traffic to sell off their stock.

“It’s been a very successful day for the market and for our vendors,” Mr Roberts said.

“We were a business located on Court Street and right now we’re selling everything off — it’s our hope to reopen in the new year and start afresh.”