The third annual Harrogate Christmas Market is set to be fully booked in record time this year, with less than a quarter of places left for traders.
Almost 80% of the 200 trader spaces have been booked for the Market, which runs from Thursday, November 27 to Sunday, 30 November 2014.
The Market has a range of different stall types available, from tables in the Food & Drink Marquee to traditional outdoor market stalls, as well as wooden chalets. Some types of stall have proved particularly popular, such as those in the Craft & Gift Marquee, where only a handful of spaces remain.
Brian Dunsby, the Chief Executive of Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce, which is organising the event, said: In 2013, we had around 150 stalls and were selling the final few spaces in late October.
This year, we expect to sell out in around half the time it took last year. Applications are still coming in very regularly, so it is important that any local businesses interested in taking part get in touch with us as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We try to maintain variety, so if your product is unique, contact us.
Harrogate Christmas Market focuses on good quality, hand-made or home-made products, gifts and decorations, as well as festive food and drink, from around Yorkshire and the UK. From the bookings already made, guests can expect to find local photography, beers and ales from North Yorkshire, wooden sculptures, jewellery, home-made soups, hand-knitted accessories and much more.
In its first year, Harrogate Christmas Market – which is free for visitors to attend – attracted an estimated 30,000 people, increasing to 40,000 in 2013. As well as the stalls, it offers children’s fun fair rides, Santa in his grotto with real reindeer, and festive entertainment throughout the weekend from local musicians.
Mr Dunsby added: The number of visitors in the first two years meant that many of the traders did extremely well – some even sold out halfway through the Market in 2013 and had to take orders for their products over the final day or two.
The growth in the number of bookings is a reflection of just how strong the Market’s reputation has become and how popular it is now. As well as benefiting the traders, it is great for the Harrogate District because it attracts thousands to shop, eat and stay here during the festive season.
Anyone interested in exhibiting should visit www.harrogatechristmasmarket.org and click on 2014 Trader Information, where an application form can be downloaded. Opening hours will be 10am-8pm Thursday to Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday.
Visitors can also find out more on the website, including a full list of stallholders who have already booked, or via social media: @HGChristmasMkt on Twitter, or facebook.com/HarrogateChristmasMarket
