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Aug 2021

Last Updated: 05/08/2021

Community

Deadlock on Harrogate Christmas Market talks

by Connor Creaghan

| 05 Aug, 2021

A week has passed and both Harrogate Borough Council and event organisers seem to blame each other for the situation. The council said it's had "a number of expressions of interest" from other event organisers. The current organisers feel they are being pushed out.

Harrogate Borough Council and organisers of the Harrogate Christmas Market seem to have reached stalemate in talks to save the event.

Since news that the market would not be able to go ahead on Montpellier Hill, both the council and event organisers have called for each other to engage in talks.

A week has now gone and both seem to blame each other for the situation. The council has now said it is working with other event organisers after it received "a number of expressions of interest".

Harrogate council leader: ‘Christmas Market organisers refused other locations’

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In another statement prompted by a wave of questions, a council spokesperson said:

"Significant concerns remain for the emergency services and, as the organiser isn't willing to address these, we simply cannot grant a licence for this location.

"We've made this decision now, following numerous conversations over the years, to allow enough time for alternative options to be explored.

"Other locations have been suggested but these have been refused. If the organisers wish to continue these discussions then we advise they get in touch soon.

"We've had a number of expressions of interest and we're working with event organisers to ensure alternative Christmas festivities take place."

Brian Dunsby, who is the event organiser, told the Stray Ferret after reading the latest statement:

"We have not been given the chance to see or hear the emergency services response this year. The police were satisfied with what we proposed last year.

"We have asked for an appeal to review the outstanding issues. Also we have asked for a meeting to review the alternative locations.

"The statement makes it feels as if the council is trying to get rid of the team that has organised a successful market for the past eight years.

"We welcome other festivities but they should be complimentary to the Harrogate Christmas Market."

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Deadlock on Harrogate Christmas Market talks

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