Christmas Market set to spearhead Birmingham’s festive economy
BIRMINGHAM’S annual Christmas market kicks off the city’s festive programme today with inward investment chiefs once again hoping it will provide a major boost to the local economy.
Running until December 22, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest outdoor Christmas market in the UK.
Last year the city’s festive programme of events – spearheaded by the market – attracted 34 million visitors to the city, boosting the economy to the tune of almost £100m.
To capitalise on the increase in footfall through the city centre, the city’s leisure tourism programme Visit Birmingham and its 15 city partners including Retail Birmingham and London Midland have coordinated their 2014 national Christmas campaign entitled ‘Christmas now trending in Birmingham’. The social media campaign aims to entice visitors from across the UK to the city in the run-up to Christmas.
The campaign aims to build on the success of last year’s seasonal showcase, kick-starting with the launch of a dedicated microsite www.christmasinbirmingham.com.The new site highlights the host of festive activities and events taking place throughout the region. It also has seasonal offers and tips to help visitors plan their Christmas break in Birmingham.
Visitors are encouraged to share their experience using the Twitter hashtag #ChristmasInBham, in turn inspiring others to sample the region’s Christmas spirit first-hand.
In addition to the market, the campaign focuses on some of the other family-friendly attractions on offer across the city and wider region. These include Drayton Manor Park’s Christmas themed ‘Thomas Land’, Cadbury World’s special grotto and the Black Country Living Museum’s ‘Victorian Christmas Evening’.
But it is the Frankfurt market, with its 190-plus stalls, which is likely to be the number one attraction.
Now in its 14th year, the market will be complete with hand-crafted gifts and toys, food stalls selling German beer and bratwurst, chocolate crepes, and traditional Gluhwein.
Emma Gray, director of marketing services at Visit Birmingham, said: “Birmingham offers one of the country’s most exciting festive backdrops. With a world-renowned food scene, family friendly attractions and shopping to suit every taste and budget, Birmingham is the perfect place to visit this Christmas. The city is also home to Europe’s largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria, which continues to attract audiences from all corners of Europe.
“Last year the city drew a record 34 million visitors. With an outstanding programme of events taking place this year, we look forward to welcoming even more tourists to sample what we have to offer this festive season. We hope Visit Birmingham’s new website will inspire everyone planning to visit Birmingham this Christmas.”
The city’s seasonal shopping offer extends beyond the Christmas market, with a range of festive offers from big-name stores, boutique independent retailers, and award-winning artisan eateries during the Christmas period. Alison Hammond and Emma Willis – both from Birmingham – are spearheading a new Christmas shopping campaign by Retail Birmingham, designed to promote the extensive range of shopping experiences available in the city centre.
Jonathan Cheetham, Chair of Retail Birmingham, the Business Improvement District for Birmingham city centre’s retail heart, said: “Birmingham is the largest retail centre outside the capital, boasting over 1,000 shops within a 20 minute walk. From the iconic Selfridges, Bullring and The Mailbox, to vibrant independent retailers and hubs such as the Great Western Arcade, the city’s diverse retail offering amounts to the ultimate Christmas shopping destination.
“Following the busy Christmas season, 2015 is set to bring one of Birmingham’s busiest and most exciting periods in over a decade. With new additions such as the £150m Grand Central shopping centre with its £35m flagship John Lewis store, and the £50m refurbishment of the Mailbox, residents and visiting shoppers will be spoilt for choice.”
