Harrogate Christmas Fayre to return for fifth yearEditor’s Pick of the Week: Christmas in September, housebuilding and Dame Judi DenchDetails of Harrogate Christmas fayre revealedOpen-top bus added to Harrogate’s Christmas attractionsAn open-top bus will take visitors around Harrogate as part of the Christmas experience.
The sight-seeing bus is to be part of the town’s Christmas Fayre in December which has been extended this year to help draw in more visitors.
The bus will be provided by Transdev and is part of the York City Sightseeing tour fleet.
It will operate during the weekends in addition to the Candy Cane Express road train which has been introduced since the Christmas market moved into the centre of town.
The 15-minute trip will take shoppers around Harrogate -leaving every 20 minutes from Montpellier Hill, Crescent Gardens, Cheltenham Parade, the Bus Station and West Park. Tickets will cost £1 for adults- up to three children aged under 16 can travel for free with each paying adult.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for the visitor economy, councillor Derek Bastiman, said:
“The programme of festive events in Harrogate always attracts a lot of interest and sees people from across the region and beyond travel to the town to enjoy what is on offer which is a big driver for the local economy.
“The addition of the new open-top sightseeing bus will give visitors the chance to experience Harrogate in a new way, and it will hopefully help people explore even more of what is on offer.”
In April, it was announced that the Christmas Fayre would run for 17 days – a week longer than the previous two years to increase footfall in December.
The Harrogate Ice Rink, which made its debut in 2022, is also set to return from December 1 but there’ll be no big wheel this year.
Transdev commercial manager Matt Burley said:
“We’re delighted to be chosen as Harrogate’s leading bus operator to deliver this exciting open top bus tour of Harrogate as part of this year’s bigger and even better Harrogate Christmas Fayre.
“We’re teaming up with our colleagues at CitySightseeing York to take visitors and locals on an entertaining tour, hosted by one of our award-winning live guides – so what better way to discover the hidden gems of Harrogate than by wrapping up warm and joining us on the three weekends before Christmas.”
Matthew Chapman, the manager for Harrogate BID, which is supporting the Harrogate Christmas Fayre, said:
“Here at Harrogate BID we are yet again delighted to be supporting the Christmas offer in Harrogate to deliver another magnificent festive season for the town.
“From more than 100,000 festive lights to the unique additional animations, we can’t wait to welcome the thousands of visitors and residents alike to our great town. This time of the year is so important to local and national businesses, and we are proud to play a part in supporting this.”
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Harrogate Christmas Fayre extended to 18 daysHarrogate Christmas Fayre will be extended to 18 days this year.
The market will take place in the town centre from December 1 to 17, over three weekends rather than two as previously.
The move comes after calls from hoteliers and businesses to extend the fayre beyond its original 10 days.
Destination Harrogate, which organised the event with Market Place Europe and the now-defunct Harrogate Borough Council, confirmed the news today.
It also said the event will see the return of fairground rides and attractions but did not give specific details.
John McGivern, destination events manager for Destination Harrogate, said:
“We’re delighted to support our local businesses by giving them just what they’ve asked for – an extended Christmas offer that provides an excellent opportunity to boost our visitor economy even further at a crucial time of year.”
Dan Siddle, chair of Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Association and general manager of the Crown Hotel, said occupancy levels increased in December 2022 “and a lot of our business was based on the new Harrogate Christmas Fayre”. He added:
“We were in favour of the market being extended and it’s fantastic to hear that visitors will have even longer to enjoy the Christmas fayre during a festive break in Harrogate in 2023.”
James White, manager at Victoria Shopping Centre, also welcomed the news, saying the “increased footfall is very much welcomed by local business”.
Nick Rhodes, chief executive of Market Place Europe, said it was looking forward to “bringing an exciting variety of traders into Harrogate town centre” and
Those wishing to be stallholders and traders at this year’s Harrogate Christmas Fayre can register via email at info@mpel.co.uk.
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Harrogate M&S manager calls for longer Christmas fayre to bolster town centreRetailers and a business group have said the Harrogate Christmas Fayre had a significant impact on town centre footfall.
The fayre, which ended on Sunday after 10 days, included about 50 stalls on Cambridge Street and Market Place.
It was operated by Market Place Europe in partnership with Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate Business Improvement District.
It was part of a wider Christmas offering that also included an ice skating rink, an après ski bar and a 32-metre ferris wheel.
Although the market stalls have been disbanded, the other attractions will continue into January.
Mark Robson, store manager at Harrogate Marks and Spencer, called for the market to be held for longer next year.
He said:
“I am super positive about the impact of the market, we saw a very clear impact on improved footfall into store and spending.
“All of the comments I heard from customers and my store colleagues were about how good it was.
“My view is that we should aim to do the same again in future years, and ideally for a longer period of time. We should also have confidence to go bolder with future marketing if the event.”
The ferris wheel in Harrogate town centre.
Simon Midgley, owner of Starling Bar and Kitchen on Oxford Street, said the market helped to “bolster” business.
He said:
“I think the Christmas market was much better than previous years coupled with the other attractions of the big wheel, ice rink, etc. It made it more of a reason to come into Harrogate from out of town.
“Starling has been nice and busy since reopening four weeks ago and I do believe our business has been bolstered by some trade from those visiting the Christmas market. Bookings in the run up to Christmas look strong for us.”
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Sara Ferguson, chair of Harrogate Business Improvement District, which was also a partner in the Christmas activities, said:
“Harrogate’s great all year round offering, plus this year’s fabulous Christmas attractions, has seen town phenomenally busy — and not just at weekends.
“The BID team has been receiving really positive comments, with the general consensus that footfall and spend has been very much up. The manager of one national retailer told me her takings were more than 50% up compared to this time last year, which is fantastic to hear.
“The Christmas fayre has definitely helped with the pull factor, and having it in town for ten days has helped attract shoppers during the earlier part of the week. So too did the BID-funded Candy Cane Express.”
Knaresborough all set for Winter Fayre tomorrow
Christmas festivities continue in Knaresborough this weekend with a Winter Fayre in the town’s market place.
Tomorrow’s event, organised by Knaresborough Business Collective, follows on from the success of the Spring Fayre in April.
Annie Wilkinson-Gill, from The Crystal Buddha, and Natalie Horner, from Sid Horner and Son, founders of the business group, said the event would feature a host of attractions.
They include children’s rides, a Father Christmas grotto, reindeer, face painting, Punch and Judy shows, live entertainment and music, food and drink stalls and free craft workshops, as well as a local artisan market.
The fayre will be opened at 10am by town crier Roger Hewitt and will continue until 4pm.
To accompany the event, the group is also hosting a Christmas window competition, which will see businesses in the town create displays with a festive theme. Prizes will be awarded to the top three best dressed windows.
Ms Horner said:
“We are so excited to be doing the collective’s fourth window competition this year, they have been a huge success and make town look fantastic.
“Knaresborough’s window displays have been such a hit they’re actually becoming a tourist attraction that people are travelling to town to see.
“They will contribute to a fantastic atmosphere for our Winter Fayre on Saturday – an amazing fun-filled day for all the family.
“We have so many things planned including fairground rides, reindeer, Santa’s grotto, a mulled wine tent, free craft workshops, face painting and local artisan market. After the success of the Spring Fayre we are so excited!”
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Here we go! Harrogate’s Christmas activities begin tomorrow — here’s your guideThe festive season officially gets underway in Harrogate tomorrow with the return of ‘Destination Christmas’.
The town will be buzzing with the opening of the ice rink, 32-metre Ferris wheel, the carousel and 50 market stalls, plus more.
With so much going on we’ve put together a brief guide to the attractions, showing where you can see them and how much they cost.
Christmas Fayre
When: December 2 -11, Monday – Saturday: 10am – 7pm, Sunday: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Where: The pedestrianised areas of Cambridge Street and Market Place in Harrogate town centre
Destination Harrogate is bringing back Harrogate Christmas Fayre, which launched in 2021. It will be bigger this year with about 50 stalls to browse for Christmas gifts, decorations and seasonal foodie treats.
The traditional Christmas market, delivered by Market Place Europe, will offer an ‘eclectic mix of enticing stalls’ to complement Harrogate’s independent retailers, restaurants, bars and boutique stores.
Market Place Europe and Harrogate Borough Council, which jointly operate the Christmas Fayre, will also once again provide a stall for charities.
Little Bird artisan market
When: December 3 and 4 and December 10 and 11, Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm
Where: Valley Gardens, Harrogate
The festive artisan market will feature 70 local and regional traders and producers, who will sell a variety of arts and crafts, clothing, homeware, jewellery, as well as food and drink.
Candy Cane Express road train
When: December 2-11
Where: This year’s route has yet to be confirmed, but last year it stopped at James Street, St Mary’s Walk and Crescent Road. It also passed Montpellier Hill, Cheltenham Parade, Station Parade and Victoria Avenue.
Cost: Free
The Christmas road train experience is also back for 2022, to transport festive revellers around Harrogate town centre while the market is on, with the Candy Cane Express co-funded by Harrogate BID.
Giant Ferris Wheel
When: December 2 – January 3
Where: Harrogate town centre, next to the war memorial
Cost: £7 for adults, £5 for children
The 32-metre illuminated observation wheel will offer views spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Harrogate outdoor ice skating rink
When: December 2 – January 3, various times throughout the day
Where: Crescent Gardens, Harrogate
Cost: Tickets cost £14 for adults and £13 for children aged five to 16. Family tickets costing £37.50, £50 and £62.50 are available. Sessions are 60 minutes. There are also ‘relaxed sessions’ and parent and toddler sessions.
All new for 2022, the outdoor ice skating rink features an après ski bar offering seasonal treats and refreshments.
The bookings website says:
“Harrogate ice rink is magical for all ages, great for families, date nights, catch ups with pals, Christmas parties with a twist, skaters, non-skaters, those who want to learn to skate at our skate school or just enjoy one of the most fascinating spectator sports with a drink and bite to eat.”
Traditional carousel and children’s fairground rides
When: December 2 – January 3, various times throughout the day
Where: Crescent Gardens, Harrogate
Cost: £3 per person. Bungee trampolines are £5 per go.
Crescent Gardens in Harrogate will take on a fairground feel again this year, featuring a traditional carousel and a collection of small rides for tiny tots.
The rides are provided by Events By Cynosure and supported by Harrogate Borough Council’s Parks and Environmental Services team.
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What the organisers say:
John McGivern, destination events manager for Destination Harrogate, which is part of Harrogate Borough Council, said:
“We’re thrilled to be bringing back Destination Christmas and to be offering an even bigger and better experience for 2022. We’re building on the success of last year and through working in collaboration with our partners, including Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate BID, we can look forward to delivering something really special this Christmas.
“Destination Christmas not only offers our residents the opportunity to enjoy an amazing Christmas experience, particularly following the challenges of the past two years, it also encourages visitors to the Harrogate district from further afield, bolstering local trade and boosting our tourism industry at a crucial time in the business calendar.”
Councillor Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said:
“Once again, Christmas will be coming to Harrogate town centre and I for one can’t wait. Last year’s offer was a great success but I know this year’s will be even bigger and better.
“Town centres are recovering well from the covid pandemic and by working with our partners and stakeholders we can once again deliver a safe, vibrant and attractive offer that drives visitors to our district’s shops, restaurants, visitor attractions, hotels and B&Bs this festive season, and showcase the Harrogate district as the perfect Christmas destination.
“The Christmas attractions also offer a fantastic way for families and friends to spend quality time together at this special time of year and to enjoy being active outdoors. And the all-new ice skating rink not only offers an exciting opportunity for people of all ages to socialise but also encourages physical activity, in a magical environment.”
Nick Rhodes, chief executive of Market Place Europe, said:
“Harrogate is a beautiful and unique destination and the perfect place to enjoy our fantastic Christmas market. We’re really excited to be returning this year with an even bigger Harrogate Christmas Fayre, and to be bringing an exciting variety of traders into the town centre to offer a wonderful experience that all the family can enjoy.”
Knaresborough set for Winter Fayre and Christmas window contestA Winter Fayre and Christmas window competition is being held in Knaresborough in December as part of continuing efforts to boost the town.
The event, which is being organised by Knaresborough Business Collective, follows on from the success of the Spring Fayre in April.
Annie Wilkinson-Gill, from The Crystal Buddha, and Natalie Horner, from Sid Horner and Son, founders of the business group, said the event would feature a host of exciting attractions.
They will include children’s rides, a Father Christmas grotto, live entertainment and music, food and drink stalls and craft workshops, as well as a local artisan market.
The fayre will take place on December 10 from 10am until 4pm on Knaresborough Market Place.
To accompany the event, the group is also hosting a Christmas window competition, which will see businesses in the town create displays with a festive theme before December 9. Prizes will be awarded to the top three best dressed windows.
Ms Wilkinson-Gill said:
“We are so excited to see all your fantastic efforts for Christmas. Knaresborough’s window displays are becoming a tourist attraction for visitors. They are so fantastic, and of course everybody wants to get their hands on one our prestigious trophies!”
The Winter Fayre will take place the week after the Knaresborough Christmas Market weekend on December 3 and 4.
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Council shares £15,000 anti-terrorism bill for Harrogate Christmas FayreAnti-terrorism measures for Harrogate Christmas Fayre cost £15,000, with Harrogate Borough Council paying half.
The inaugural event was run by the council in the town centre in partnership with Market Place, a specialist market company from Greater Manchester.
It saw stalls and stands selling food, drink and gifts around Cambridge Street, Market Place, Station Square and Cambridge Crescent.
The fayre was organised after the original Harrogate Christmas Market, on Montpellier Hill, was cancelled after the council refused to sign off the organisers’ event management plan.
The council had raised concerns with co-organiser Brian Dunsby that the plan didn’t adequately address the threat from terrorists.
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In 2016, terrorists drove a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin, leaving 12 people dead.
Since then, Christmas markets across the UK have beefed up security to thwart any similar attempts.
The Harrogate Christmas Fayre saw temporary bollards on both ends of Cambridge Street and in other locations in the town centre to stop vehicles from entering.
The council’s publicly available list of payments over £250 includes a payment of £7,453.83 to Market Place, which a council spokesperson said was to pay for the bollards. The final bill was split 50/50 with the company.
The spokesperson said:
“As part of the event delivery plan for Harrogate Christmas Fayre, and following guidance and advice from North Yorkshire Police, we wanted to ensure a safe and enjoyable market was delivered, especially following incidents in other cities previously.
“Therefore, to ensure the safety of residents, traders and visitors of the fayre, we agreed to split the costs of anti-terrorism measures with Market Place Europe to mitigate any potential risks.
“As this was organised via Market Place Europe, our share was paid to them rather than the supplier.”