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Aug 2021

Community

Harrogate MP welcomes new Christmas market as local traders move on

Published: 20 Aug 2021, 15:24 BST

by Connor Creaghan

Market Place Europe has entered into formal talks with Harrogate Borough Council about holding its own version of a Christmas market. Local traders we spoke to were not impressed but Andrew Jones welcomed it.

Andrew Jones MP has welcomed the proposal of a new Christmas market but some disappointed local traders have already moved on.

Market Place Europe has entered into formal talks with Harrogate Borough Council about holding its own version of a Christmas market.

Talks are in the early stages but the plan is to hold a 45 stall event from December 3 to 12. There is no word yet on where it will be held but it will be in the town centre.

There will be a mixture of European stall holders as well as some local traders.

However, it's unclear just how many of the 170 booked in with the former organisers will be able to get involved with the new organisers.

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Bridget Bailey, founder of Bags and Glad Rags, told the Stray Ferret:

"I have been a trader at the Harrogate Christmas Market since it started so I find it very sad that such a successful event has been destroyed.

"We have been messed about so could not wait for this to be sorted. So I am already committed to other things around that time."

Howard Heaton, managing director of Westmorland Sheepskins, also said:

"This has been quite frustrating to watch. Harrogate is a destination so we need to build on that.

"But from what I have seen of the new Christmas market I am not sure if it will draw in the same crowds, it's a much smaller event."

Steven Green, co-founder of Harrogate Tipple, added:

"I think it's laughable really to have 45 stalls. With European traders as well I cannot see how the locals will get much of a look in.

"Harrogate Tipple always did well at the Christmas market in Harrogate but we are now going to York instead."

What does Andrew Jones MP make of the new plans?

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has released a statement for the first time about Harrogate Christmas Market since the council refused a licence for Montpellier Hill.

Mr Jones welcomed the news:

“I have read that the usual organisers have announced that they are not going to be seeking approval for a new event plan on Montpellier Hill which addresses the issues raised.

“Retailers contacting me simply want to make sure there is a safe and quality Christmas market in Harrogate. They are not too interested in the wrangling over the exact location.

“That is why, putting the past in the past, I am pleased that a commitment remains from the council to pick up the problem and sort it by speaking to other Christmas market organisers.

“Time though is marching on. I am pleased that contingencies are in place and moving forward at pace."

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Harrogate MP welcomes new Christmas market as local traders move on

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What does Andrew Jones MP make of the new plans?