RAIN failed to dampen the spirits of canal boaters and visitors who attended the Bradford on Avon Winter Floating Market over the weekend.

Despite the rain and muddy conditions, the towpath traders all reported good business with some selling out of their craft products.

Organiser Laura Darling, of the Wolf Kitchen, who was selling hot food, teas and coffees, said: “It’s been wet and muddy but we’ve carried on regardless.

“The music has kept us going and some of the traders have done really well and have sold out.

“I sold out yesterday so it’s not been a disaster despite the weather.”

Artist and illustrator Dru Marland had also had a good market, saying: “It’s been busy and moderately successful.

“Some of the traders have reported doing poorly but others have had a successful weekend.”

Dru gave a poetry reading with Michelle Smith on Saturday and offered visitors a selection of original artwork and prints for sale.

Twenty per cent of everything she took will be donated to the newly-launched Floaty Boaty Fund to help canal boaters in need.

Kristine Tutton, of Hasbeen Handbags, said: “Yesterday was superb. We’ve had a good weekend despite the weather.”

She makes a wide range of handbags from remnants of cloth obtained from the local furniture industry, including fabrics used to cover chairs and sofas or for making curtains and cushions.

Nevil Ingram was selling a selection of 80 local cheeses as well as home-made chutneys and pickled onions while Mar Vickery of the Dawdling Dairy sold mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, mince pies and tea and coffee.

Briony Clark, of Revive Attire, was selling a range of jewellery made from recycled bicycle inner tubes obtained from cycle stores in Bath and elsewhere.

Canal buskers played music and poetry readings took place to entertain the visitors.