Bath Christmas Market opening marks start of festive season

Bath's annual and hugely-popular Christmas market has opened for 2023.

It will see more than 200 traders and 36 community groups occupy decorated wooden chalets for 18 days, with the event running until 10 December.

In 2022, the market attracted an estimated 426,000 visitors and boosted the local economy by about £50m.

Organisers say they are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year to the market, which is based near Bath Abbey and surrounding central streets.

Christmas trees, lights and stalls have been placed on Milsom Street, York Street, Bath Street and Abbeygate Street.

Bath and North East Somerset Council (Banes) cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, Paul Roper, said: "Christmas lights beginning to sparkle across the district are a great way to end the year and kick-off the seasonal festivities.

"All of the events that are lined up are a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to join together and help create a special atmosphere in our city and town centres."

The council is advising residents and visitors to the market to plan their journeys in advance and keep track of live information about public transport updates, including park and ride services, and car parking.

Bath Christmas Market returned in full in 2022 after facing setbacks for the two previous years because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It was cancelled in 2020 and a scaled-down event was held in 2021 when the council said the "double whammy" of Brexit and Covid had led to a "national recruitment crisis" making it impossible to run as normal.

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