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19
Aug 2021
A Manchester events firm is set to take on Harrogate Christmas Market this year after a row over health and safety concerns.
Harrogate Borough Council has now entered into formal talks with Market Place Europe, which is based in Ashton-Under-Lyne.
The council said that the company is planning to hold a 10-day event from December 3 to December 12 rather than the usual four-day market.
At this stage it is unclear where the new Harrogate Christmas market will take place but it will be in the town centre.
It is also unclear if the 170 traders and 53 coaches booked in with the former organisers will move over to the new Christmas market.
Market Place Europe is behind the Christmas markets in Glasgow and Belfast. The company also organises a number of food markets across the UK.
Councillor Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said:
This news comes just over two weeks after Harrogate Borough Council refused a licence for Harrogate Christmas Market run by Brian Dunsby OBE on Montpellier Hill.
Representatives from the founding organisers at Harrogate Christmas Market Ltd met with two council officers on Tuesday.
It was the first time the two groups met but after 90 minutes of talks the council issued a statement saying alternative locations “have been refused” by the current organisers.
The council also said it would “move forward to ensure Harrogate hosts safe, vibrant and attractive Christmas festivities this year”.
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