Music, people and the smell of food filled the streets as Granby Street Market returned to Toxteth last weekend.
The market, which reopened after 16 months, initially closed due to the coronavirus pandemic but was later struck by fire in September, destroying their iconic colourful gazebos and other equipment.
Joe Farrag, a 66-year-old organiser of the monthly market, said it's "great" to see people mixing on Granby Street again. He told the ECHO : "That's basically one of the things the market was meant for, is for people to get together and chat and talk about things."
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Organisers decided to close the market after feeling like the threat of coronavirus was too great for local residents, many of whom are from Liverpool's Black community or work in frontline services, and are therefore believed to be at a greater risk from the virus.
Organisers were also concerned that coronavirus restrictions would destroy the vibrant atmosphere and social interaction of the market.
However, after the fire which destroyed much of the market's equipment, more than £21,000 was raised on GoFundMe to replace the market's tables, chairs, gazebos and sound system.
With the market now back, Joe estimates that 70 stalls filled the street on Saturday, selling crystals and incense burners, chocolate-covered stuffed dates, vegan-friendly felt gifts, cake and Middle Eastern sweets.
Granby Street Market was launched as the Granby 4 Streets Market on Cairns Street more than a decade ago.
This was one of four streets off Granby that resisted demolition when hundreds of people were cleared from Toxteth following the 1981 riots.
Residents have cleaned, planted and painted the street since the mid noughties. The market, that moved to Granby Street in 2016, is part of their homegrown regeneration.
Organisers hope the market will continue to take place on Granby Street, 'showcasing the talents, spirit and diversity of the community' on the first Saturday of every month between 10am and and 3pm.
