Countdown on to Christmas market amid tight security

Birmingham’s popular Frankfurt Christmas Market is just three weeks away from making its return to the city – although in a slightly different format to previous years.

The market will open on November 16 when once again the air around Victoria Square will be filled with the festive aroma of hot gluhwein, schnitzel and spicy sausage for the weeks leading up to Christmas Eve.

Also returning is the Birmingham Big Wheel and Ice Rink, although due to the refurbishment of Centenary Square, new homes have had to be found for both.

The city council’s events team has relocated the attractions to Eastside Green, outside Birmingham City University and Millennium Point.

However, the Christmas Craft Market has fallen victim to the city’s relentless redevelopment and is therefore being rested this year to allow the works to Paradise and Centenary Square to continue.

Last year 4.8 million people visited the city and the Christmas Market during its six-week run, spending on average £44 per person (up 49% since 2014) which helped generate a total economic impact of £399.8m (up £2.8m since 2014).

Cllr Ian Ward, Interim Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The Frankfurt Christmas Market marks the start of the festive season, drawing millions of visitors to Birmingham each year, and I’m glad the iconic big wheel and ice rink will be part of this year’s festivities.

“Our decision not to stage the Christmas Craft Market follows a lengthy but sadly unsuccessful search by officers to find a suitable alternative site, in light of ongoing works transforming our city centre. However, when Centenary Square is completed, it will be able to host a wide range of public events for years to come.”

Emily Danter, director of operations for Ice Skate Birmingham – which operates the big wheel and ice rink – said: “We are thrilled that with the city council’s help in identifying this site, Birmingham City University kindly allowing us to use it, and support from Eastside businesses, our big wheel and ice rink will return to the city centre next month.

“We love being part of Christmas in Birmingham and we hope residents and visitors will come and join us at Eastside Green, near Millennium Point for some festive fun.”

The city council and West Midlands Police have said security will be tight during the event, with a number of measures installed to prevent vehicle incursions.

Barriers will be installed at key locations around the city centre during the festive season. These were installed last year following the terrorist attack on the market in Berlin.

Police said they were keen to stress that the measures were not based on any new or emerging intelligence but that the national security threat remained unchanged at Severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.

Cllr Brigid Jones, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Our top priority when we stage the market is to ensure the millions of visitors we host every year can have an enjoyable and safe stay in the city.

“Every detail behind the planning of the market is reviewed with our partners annually to ensure we achieve this aim.

“We had barriers for the first time last year so this is not new and my message would be that there is no need for concern or alarm. People should remain vigilant at all times when attending any major public event, but enjoy the market as for what it is – a celebration of Christmas in Birmingham.”