Hundreds of visitors and vendors crowded Water Street yesterday during the first in a series of market days in St. George's.

And while it was the vendors that received most of the attention, the stores that decided to open their doors also benefited from a boost in business.

A clerk at clothing store Fragipani remarked: "I'm amazed how many people are here. I'm really impressed."

The market was first suggested this summer on the Facebook page "St. George's Bermuda — Revitalise" as a way of drawing people to the town, which has suffered due to fewer visits from cruise ships.

This year only one ship, the Veendam, was scheduled to make regular visits to the town. However, the ship was too large to travel safely through Town Cut, forcing it to remain at Murray's Anchorage.

The town then faced further difficulties when, due to weather conditions and medical emergencies, the ship was repeatedly diverted to Hamilton.

While some have called St. George's a ghost town, business appeared to be booming on Sunday. Dozens of vendors set up operations in the town, selling everything from handmade jewellery and greeting cards to fresh fish.

Rachel Perry, who was selling jewellery on a table on Water Street, said she was pleased by the number of people who came to the town for the market.

"It's all pretty good so far," she said. "Hopefully we'll have even more people come as we get closer to Christmas."

While most of the vendor tables were set up on Water Street, a few entrepreneurs set up shop on their boats.

Drawn by the sound of a conch horn being blown, a dozen shoppers surrounded the fishing boat Trickshot, where fisherman Nick New and Sloan Wakefield prepared and sold freshly caught fish and live lobster.

"You can't get it any fresher than this," said Mr. New.

James Lehane and his wife, Jeanne, from Massachusetts, said they came to the market after they found the stores in Hamilton were closed.

"We wanted to get something from Bermuda before we leave tomorrow," Mr. Lehane said. "I think this is great. There's a good atmosphere."

Several St. George's businesses decided to open in support of the market, including the Paradise Gift Shop, Fragipani, and Belinda Tartaglia Galleries.

Alfonso Harris, who runs Churchill's, said he set up a table to sell cigars because he wasn't allowed to open his store on a Sunday.

"I'd like to. We'd probably make a lot of money, but it's a liquor store," he said. "I think this is something that's great for the town, its great for small businesses who want to take advantage of the opportunity."

Executive Director of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce Diane Gordon applauded the event's organisers.

"The event was well supported by vendors and small businesses, but importantly, it was well supported by the community," she said.

"The turnout has been wonderful. This is great for St. George's."

St. George's MP and Opposition Leader Kim Swan said: "The St. George's Revitalisation Committee need to be congratulated for following through with an initiative that breathed life into the Town of St. George's and quaint Water Street on a Sunday Afternoon.

"Great idea, and full marks to the committee for getting it done."

• The Olde Towne Market will continue to be held every Sunday in St. George's from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. until December 19.