They rewind to December 1951 and showcase a busy, bustling market in the run up to the big day. The fruit stalls were besieged by hats and overcoats just six years after the Second World War had brought dramatic shortages. But it would be another three years before rationing was ended in 1954. READ MORE: The night Kirkgate Market was devastated by fire LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
![A view from the balcony of the Christmas shoppers round the fruit stalls.](https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTIzNzU4NzE1.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
1. Kirkgate Market at Christmas
A view from the balcony of the Christmas shoppers round the fruit stalls.
![Shoppers around the top end of Game Row.](https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTIzNzU4NzE2.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
![Shoppers form a queue to get view the bargains on offer.](https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTIzNzU4NzE3.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
![Fruit stalls at Kirkgate Market.](https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTIzNzU4NzE4.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
![A view from the balcony of Christmas shoppers round the fruit stalls.](https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTIzNzU4NzIw.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
5. Kirkgate Market at Christmas
A view from the balcony of Christmas shoppers round the fruit stalls.
![Some of these shoppers look to be aware of the camera as they pass Spencer's fruit stall.](https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTIzNzU4NzIx.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. Kirkgate Market at Christmas
Some of these shoppers look to be aware of the camera as they pass Spencer's fruit stall.