Fireworks finale ends Knaresborough’s ‘busiest ever’ Christmas market

Knaresborough was packed at the weekend for what is being hailed as the town’s busiest ever Christmas market.

A total of 68 stalls crammed into Market Place to greet customers from all over the country and beyond.

The attractions also included a Christmas tree festival at St John’s Church and a fireworks finale, provided by local firm Ferrensby Fireworks.

Hazel Haas, who chairs the Christmas market committee, estimated up to 10,000 people attended on Saturday and up to 6,000 people turned out yesterday. She said:

“It was amazing. I’ve never seen it so busy. Many people said it was the busiest ever. In fact some traders sold out of their entire weekend stock on the Saturday.”

Ms Haas attributed the success to the quality of stalls, which she said had gradually improved over the years, and to the fact that the event still offered a cheap weekend for people in tough times.

The Christmas tree festival, the fireworks and the park and ride were all free so visitors could soak up the atmosphere and explore the town without having to spend any money.

So many coaches attended that extra space was required to accommodate them and King James’s School agreed to help at late notice.

The Christmas market is a joint initiative between the Rotary Club of Knaresborough, the Lions Club of Knaresborough and Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Christmas market committee member Charlotte Gale said:
“We were thrilled with the support for the market again this year, as well as our fantastic local businesses. We had worked really hard to promote all the town has to offer in the lead up to the event and feedback so far has been great, with one business even reporting they’d had their best ever day.
“People travelled from far and wide and at one point we even had a queue of coaches waiting to drop off market visitors. I spoke to one couple who had travelled from Leicester having seen the town featured in the recent film ‘A Very Yorkshire Christmas’ and another man who was visiting from the Netherlands. The town felt so wonderfully festive and even the showers on Sunday did nothing to deter visitors.”
Christmas market and firework finale come to Knaresborough this weekend

The festive season gets underway in Knaresborough this weekend with the Christmas Market and the launch of the Christmas Tree Festival.

Centred around the large Christmas tree in the town’s historic Market Place, the two-day shopping event, on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, will feature almost 60 stalls selling seasonal goods, decorations, cards, gifts and locally-sourced produce.

Hot roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and performances by local dancers, brass bands and choirs promise to add to the festive atmosphere.

Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce committee member Charlotte Gale said:

“We have a fantastic range of local independent shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants in town, not just in the market square, but on the surrounding streets and High Street.

“We hope that visitors to the market will also take the time to explore everything which Knaresborough has to offer. There is even a book signing at Castlegate Books with best selling local crime author Wes Markin from noon on Saturday.

“Knaresborough’s businesses always make such an effort to decorate their windows for Christmas, which gives a wonderful festive feeling in town on the market weekend.

“There are lots of events happening around the town too, including a shopping event at Knaresborough train station and the start of the stunning Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s Church, which features beautifully decorated trees from local businesses and organisations.”

The Christmas Market is organised by volunteers from Knaresborough Rotary, Knaresborough Chamber and Knaresborough Lions.

Free park and ride

The centre of Knaresborough will be largely pedestrianised for the event, but a free park and ride is available all weekend from the GSPK car park (postcode HG5 8LF) on Manse Lane to Chapel Street, close to the Market Square.

The weekend will close at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 4 with a firework finale, set against the dramatic backdrop of Knaresborough’s famous viaduct and the Nidd Gorge. This is best seen from any viewpoint which overlooks the river area.

Market chair Hazel Haas, of Knaresborough Rotary, said:

“We are keen that this year’s market benefits the town as a whole.

“Members of our volunteer committee have been liaising with other local organisations and businesses to ensure that we are promoting the full range of festive events taking place in Knaresborough over the market weekend, including the popular Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s Church.”

The Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s will run from Saturday December 3 until December 23.

Every year more than 70 Christmas trees decorated by local groups and businesses are displayed in the church on Vicarage Lane.

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Admission is free, but there will be the opportunity to donate to the church and the event’s chosen charity for this year.

For more information on Knaresborough Christmas Market, including travel information, entertainment timings and events taking place throughout the town, click here.

Meanwhile, Harrogate’s Christmas Fayre kicked off today and tonight (Friday) sees the return of late night shopping in Pateley Bridge and Bewerley for the first time since 2019.

Shops will stay open until about 7.30pm to offer festive treats and community groups will operate stalls along the High Street.

Harrogate’s Christmas Fayre got underway today and next week sees Boroughbridge’s late night shopping and Christmas lights switch-on event on Wednesday (December 7).

Knaresborough set for Winter Fayre and Christmas window contest

A 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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Knaresborough Christmas Market details revealed

The countdown to the festive season has started in Knaresborough, with just four weeks to go until the town holds its Christmas Market Weekend. 

Centred on the huge Christmas tree in Market Place, the two-day shopping event, on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, will feature almost 60 stalls, selling seasonal goods, decorations, cards, gifts and the best of locally sourced produce.  

Hot roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and performances by a wide variety of local dancers, brass bands and choirs promise to add to the festive atmosphere.  

The centre of Knaresborough will be largely pedestrianised for the event, but a free park and ride is available all weekend from the GSPK car park (HG5 8LF) on Manse Lane to Chapel Street, close to the market square.  

Market chair Hazel Haas said:

“Last year’s market was a huge success and we were thrilled with the feedback from traders and visitors alike. There was such a buzz in the town. I think people were just so pleased to see the return of largescale town events after a difficult 18 months.  

“The 2022 market promises to be even bigger and there has been a high demand from traders, with stalls selling out way ahead of time.” 

Committee member Charlotte Gale said: 

“We have a fantastic range of local independent shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants in town, not just in the market square, but on the surrounding streets and High Street.  

“We hope that visitors to the market will also take the time to explore everything which Knaresborough has to offer. The businesses always make such an effort to decorate their windows for Christmas, which gives a wonderful festive feeling in town on the market weekend.” 

The market weekend will close at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 4 with a firework finale, set against the dramatic backdrop of Knaresborough’s railway viaduct and the Nidd Gorge.

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Ms Haas added:

“We are also keen that this year’s market benefits the town as a whole. Members of our volunteer committee have been liaising with other local organisations and businesses to ensure that we are promoting the full range of festive events taking place in Knaresborough over the market weekend.  

“We are also supporting Rotary, Lions, St Michael’s Hospice, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Air Cadets, Girl Guides Association and Knaresborough Cricket Club, who are our charitable partners for this year.”  

 

 

Knaresborough Xmas Market visitors urged to bring cash

Visitors to Knaresborough Christmas Market are being urged to bring cash with them amid concerns the town’s two cash machines could run out of money.

Chair of the organising committee, Hazel Haas, has said the availability of cash in the town is an ongoing issue. But due to the closure of the Halifax bank this year the situation has become more concerning.

With just two cash machines remaining at Tesco and Sainsburys, there is real concern they will run out of money due to the number of visitors.

Ms Haas said the committee had contacted both supermarkets who said they had filled the machines to their maximum in preparation. However, she said even in previous years, even with four cash machines, there had still been a shortage.

Ms Haas said:

“It’s an ongoing problem. The reality is we’ve been running out of cash for years, some bank should really take it up and sort out the problem. We’ve done all we can and spoken to the two supermarkets. We can’t do anymore other than ask people to bring cash with them.”

Around 50 stalls will be in place on the town’s Market Square this weekend. Most will take card payments but some of the smaller traders would still prefer cash.

Ms Haas has urged visitors to come with cash rather than relying on local ATM’s.

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The loss of the Halifax bank, on Market Square, has left businesses having to bank in other nearby towns or queuing at the Post Office.

Talking about the Christmas markets returning after last year’s cancellation, due to covid, Hazel Haas said:

“I’m really looking forward to it, there’s a real buzz about the town already. People need something to their spirts and I think the market and the fireworks will add to the festive spirit, definitely.”

The market is open 10am to 5pm Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5.

It will culminate with a fireworks display over Knaresborough’s iconic viaduct at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 5.

Knaresborough Christmas Market returns in two weeks

Knaresborough Christmas Market is making a comeback after last year’s cancellation with the organising committee promising a “Yorkshire experience to remember”.

The market will take place in the town’s Market Square on December 4 and 5.

There will be almost 50 stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts and locally sourced produce.

While visitors sip on their mulled wine they can also enjoy live entertainment from local dancers, choirs and brass bands.

As in previous years, the market will culminate with a fireworks display over Knaresborough’s iconic viaduct at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 5.

Market chair, Hazel Haas, said:

“Sadly we had to cancel last year’s market, so there is a real buzz in the town about its return. It’s been a difficult 18 months for Knaresborough residents and businesses and we wanted to give everyone something to look forward to.”

The Christmas Market committee has been working with other local organisations to promote all festive events in the town in the hope of encouraging more people to visit.

The not-for-profit committee are also supporting Knaresborough RAF Cadets, Knaresborough Lions, Rotary Knaresborough, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and Knaresborough Cricket Club.

Committee member Charlotte Gale said:

“We hope that visitors to the market will also take the time to explore everything which Knaresborough has to offer. The businesses always make such an effort to decorate their windows for Christmas, which gives a wonderful festive feeling in town on the market weekend.”

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A free park and ride will operate from the GSPK car park, postcode HG5 8LF, from Manse Lane to Chapel Street, near the Market Square.

The Knaresborough market will take place on the same weekend as a new Christmas market in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens.

Organised by Little Bird markets, it will be an artisan markets with 60 local and regional traders and producers selling festive arts and crafts, clothing, homeware and jewellery, as well as food and drink.

Knaresborough Christmas Market set to go ahead after land dispute settled

The organisers of Knaresborough Christmas Market are now confident that the event will go ahead this year after a land ownership dispute was resolved.

Harrogate Borough Council had given the organisers’ event management plan the stamp of approval in previous years. But it had not done so this year.

Event management plans set out details of events and are key documents for emergency services and insurers.

Hazel Haas, one of the organisers, told the Stray Ferret previously that without third party approval, the insurance premiums would go up and that would in turn put the event at risk.

So when North Yorkshire County Council officers said this morning that they would step up and ratify the plan it came as a major relief to Mr Haas. She said:

“I have a meeting tonight with the Knaresborough Christmas Market committee where we will discuss this. It has been a bit of a rollercoaster.

“We have now resolved the issued over the ownership of the land.

“Obviously it is all subject to approval, but we can now kickstart the event and start to get some stalls booked in for later this year.

“This is also good news for all of the events Knaresborough has booked in for the festive calendar as well.”

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The Knaresborough market is due to be held on the first weekend of December in its usual location of Market Place.

Karl Battersby, corporate director for business and environmental services at North Yorkshire County Council, said:

“Working jointly with colleagues at Harrogate Borough Council, both organisations have been able to offer guidance to the organiser on how to host an event successfully, and we are pleased that planning for the Knaresborough Christmas market is able to move forward.”

Organisers work to save Knaresborough Christmas Market 2021

The organisers of the Knaresborough Christmas Market have expressed concern over whether this year’s event will be able to go ahead following a dispute with Harrogate Borough Council.

It comes just weeks after the council refused to grant a licence for Harrogate Christmas Market because it said the organisers’ event management plan did not take into account risks such as overcrowding and terrorism.

The Knaresborough market, which is organised separately to the Harrogate market by a committee of volunteers, is due to be held on the first weekend of December.

The council has given its event management plan the rubber stamp of approval for the past few years. But it has not yet done so this year.

Event management plans set out details of events and are key documents for emergency services and insurers.

Hazel Haas, who organises Knaresborough Christmas market, told the Stray Ferret an issue had arisen this year over ownership of the land where the event takes place and this had prevented its event management plan being ratified.

The market is due to take place in its usual location on Market Place but Ms Haas said she had been informed the council may not be able to approve the plan this year because it does not own the land.

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Ms Haas, who is preparing to meet with various community groups to find a way forward, told the Stray Ferret that if its event management plan was not signed off, its insurance premiums would go up and “the event is a risk of not going ahead”.

She added:

“At this stage in the year we would normally have the go ahead and have stalls booked in for the event. But we have had to hold off with the stall holders.

“If we could not hold Knaresborough Christmas Market it would be devastating for the town. We rely on tourism and the number of people the market attracts.”

A council spokesman told the Stray Ferret it did not approve plans for the event because it did not own the land.

When we asked why this appeared to be different from previous years, the spokesman said:

“We are at the very early stages in this process, but we can confirm we will work with Knaresborough Christmas Market organisers to assist them in delivering another safe and successful event.”

Harrogate district event organisers welcome government-backed insurance

Two event organisers in the Harrogate district have welcomed news of a government backed insurance scheme to protect them in case coronavirus restrictions return.

Both the chief executive at Harrogate Theatre and the organiser of Knaresborough Christmas Market saw the move as a step in the right direction.

Insurance has been a barrier for many planning to hold events as many insurers do not cover coronavirus related problems.

The organisers behind the annual bonfire and firework display on the Stray previously told the Stray Ferret that this year’s event would be a “huge gamble” without any coronavirus insurance.

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced the insurance scheme and said he hoped that it would help organisers plan events with confidence through to next year.

The £750 million scheme, which the government has partnered with Lloyds to set up, will cover events between September 2021 and September 2022.

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It will see taxpayers cover 95 per cent of costs incurred in the event of cancellation due to the event being legally unable to happen due to government covid restrictions.

David Bown, the chief executive at Harrogate Theatre, told the Stray Ferret:

“As we were moving forward we still had that threat of cancellation hanging above our heads.

“Insurance has been a concern for us at the theatre for a while. The insurance just don’t have a coronavirus clause in their policies. So this is very welcome.”

Hazel Haas, organiser of the Knaresborough Christmas Market, also told the Stray Ferret:

“This new government backed scheme sounds to be a very good idea for the events industry.

“I have not looked at the fine details of it just yet but this is certainly positive news.”

Organisers ‘hopeful’ Knaresborough Christmas market will return

Knaresborough Christmas Market will hopefully go ahead as planned this December, according to its organisers.

Following last year’s cancellation due to covid, the committee is pressing ahead with its plans to hold the festive market on December 4 and 5.

Normally the weekend event hosts around 80 stalls but organisers have said this may have to be reduced.

They said it wasn’t possible to control the number of visitors in the Market Place but this should not be a barrier if all social distancing rules are lifted on June 21 as planned.

Hazel Haas, chair of the Knaresborough Christmas Market committee, said:

“We are hoping to go ahead as usual depending on the rules at the time. We are hoping for the best but planning for the worst.”

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The committee said it is only taking reservations for stalls for now and will take payments closer to the time.

It is a similar story in Harrogate, with the town’s Christmas market committee also confident this year’s event can be held.