Thousands of visitors from across the UK have helped to make the fifth annual Harrogate Christmas Market another roaring success.
Over the four-day event, almost 60,000 people visited the stalls and attractions – and many went on to visit shops, restaurants, cafés, bars and other businesses around Harrogate.
Almost 200 traders took part, welcoming visitors from both the Harrogate district and around the country, as Virgin Trains East Coast put on two Christmas Market Specials for the first year. Despite rain every day – and even some sleet and snow showers – visitors, traders and volunteer Market Makers were in high spirits throughout, and more than 400,000 people saw the event’s posts on Facebook.
Brian Dunsby, who leads the team of voluntary organisers, said:
It has been a fantastic four-day event once again, and the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
A few adjustments to the layout, including widening many of the aisles, helped to improve the flow of visitors at peak times. The wet weather didn’t put our visitors off, and the stallholders are reporting a very successful market.
Not only that, but the local shops, cafes and restaurants in Harrogate have all told us they have been extremely busy with early Christmas shoppers. The first ever Christmas Market services from London certainly helped to give a big boost to the event and put Harrogate on the map, so we’re very grateful to Virgin Trains East Coast for their support and enthusiasm.
Thanks to its most successful year yet, Harrogate Christmas Markets organisers have already had enquiries from businesses hoping to take a stall at next year’s event. They will continue to focus on traders from across Yorkshire and the surrounding area, offering hand-made gifts, food and drink.
For more information, visit www.harrogatechristmasmarket.org or email info@harrogtechristmasmarket.org
