Traders and visitors have welcomed the first ever Harrogate Christmas Fayre, as the 10-day event gets underway in the town centre today.
The hot chocolate is flowing, Christmas gifts are flying off the shelves and people are enjoying the rides ahead of a big weekend for the town.
The fayre marks a big change for Harrogate’s festive offering, which used to centre on Montpellier Hill.
This event has organisers in the form of Market Place Europe, which is operating in partnership with Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate Business Improvement District, as well as a new town centre location for stallholders — so what do people make of it?
L&N Candles founders Laura Berryman and Natalie White.
Laura Berryman and Natalie White, from Bilton-based L&N Candles at a stall on Cambridge Street, told the Stray Ferret:
“We were planning to attend the old Harrogate Christmas Market but when that was cancelled, we thought we would seize the opportunity and get involved here.
“So far we have been really busy, so we are really pleased and excited for the next 10 days.”
The founder of Mama Doreen’s is enjoying the experience.
Jessica Wyatt, founder of Mama Doreen’s Emporium at a stall on Station Square, added:
“It is just great to get involved in Harrogate Christmas Fayre, see a lot of my regular customers and spreading the word.
“I haven’t been here long but I am loving it, it’s great. This is how I started Mama Doreen’s with a market stall so it really takes me back.”
Fancy a coffee?
Anna Lister, the founder of Lily and Lister, is selling coffee and treats on Cambridge Street. She said:
“We converted a horsebox and sell our own blend of coffee. We also do luxury hot chocolates and brownies.
“So far lots of people have said this version of the Christmas market in the town centre is much better.”
Not only are the stallholders enjoying the new Harrogate Christmas Fayre, the visitors also seem to welcome the changes.
Read more:
- Harrogate’s Christmas Fayre starts today: here’s the lowdown
- Christmas Events: diary of festivities in the Harrogate district
- New covid guidance as Ripon prepares for another big weekend
Helen Nash, a Harrogate resident who went straight out to take in the atmosphere, told the Stray Ferret:
“I think it’s a really good idea to have it in the town centre. It’s all on a level, it’s not muddy and there seems to be a good selection of stalls including some locals.
“So I hope people can come out and support it. This is really good for the town, the weather has been kind so far too.”
Nick Jackson, from Skipton, visited the Harrogate Christmas Fayre. He said:
“We always went to the Harrogate Christmas Market on Montpellier Hill, so it’s nice to see a bit of a change.
“It’s a great experience, especially coming into the town centre with all of the festivities in place.”
