Christmas market event falls victim to the pandemic

The directors and organisers of Harrogate Christmas Market Ltd say this year’s event has had to be cancelled.

What would have been the ninth Christmas Market to be held on the Stray, near the town centre, cannot go ahead mainly due to precautions needed because of the Coronavirus threat.

The event normally attracts over 80,000 visitors from all over the North of England, including many places in West Yorkshire, Lancashire and the Midlands where lock-down restrictions still apply.

Organisers say it would be impossible to limit numbers on site and ensure social distancing at the event.

A spokesman for the organising team said: “We are naturally very disappointed that our normally very popular Harrogate Christmas Market cannot take place this year, so we are turning it into a virtual online market.

“Most of our traders will be able to promote their goods through their own websites, all linked to the main market site: www.HarrogateChristmasMarket.org

“In addition this website will feature links to numerous local businesses that normally support our Christmas Market and its many visitors.

“Looking ahead we are investigating the possibility of organising a new Spring Market in May and our next Christmas Market in November 2021.”