Harrogate Christmas Market set to return

Harrogate Christmas Market is set to return next month, following a record 2016 event which attracted more than 60,000 people.

Now in its sixth year, the market will be held on Montpellier area of the Stray, running from 16 to 19 November.

Brian & Beryl Dunsby, organisers of the market, said: “A lot of work has gone into the event already and the 200 stalls are nearly completely booked. It will be a similar format to previous years with a mix of Christmas gifts, house wares, clothes, food, drink and entertainment – with Santa and his reindeer too.

“We have also worked with North Yorkshire Police and so visitors should feel re-assured that there will be a higher police presence than in previous years. That’s just consistent with the great level of support they are providing at all major outdoor events.

“It remains a quintessentially Yorkshire Christmas Market, supporting both local suppliers and local businesses in Harrogate and District.”

The Harrogate Christmas Market relies on many people to support the event.

Vice-chairman Steve Scarre is organising the team of voluntary ‘market makers’ together with Alex Morrow and he says that they are looking for more volunteers this year.

“The Market Makers provide a vital role during the market. They are the ones that meet the stall holders and help them setup. Also many of the stall holders are individuals, so rely on the Market Makers to allow them to have breaks during each day.

“Market Makers are the ones that help provide a friendly face for the town and they direct people to the areas of the market or the town that they may be looking for.

“We are looking for more support though. I am putting a timetable of the current volunteers together and have a number of gaps where we need more help.”