After being the first and only Christmas Market in the country to receive the ‘Quality Assured Visitor Attraction’ Rose Marque from national tourist board VisitEngland, organisers of this year’s Bath Christmas Market, Bath Tourism Plus, are now keen to expand on its reputation by announcing some new additions for 2013.
Set against the magical backdrop of Bath’s majestic Abbey and amongst the city’s quaint Georgian streets, the market is a very British take on the usual German Christmas market and showcases the best produce of Bath and the South West from 28 November – 15 December. Hailed as ‘the biggest and most beautiful Christmas shopping event in the region,’ the 18-day event will be the most substantial yet, with over 150 traditional wooden stalls lining Bath’s central streets and squares. Offering an abundance of choice, 2013 will see over a third of the chalets being managed by new traders, each providing a variety of high-quality gifts and Christmas essentials such as decorations and locally produced festive food, with a strong emphasis on handmade, local and unique items.
Opportunities for local artists and craftspeople who currently have small ‘kitchen worktop’ style businesses will also be catered for at this year’s event. Magically located on ‘Snowy Street’, a beautifully decorated, winter themed street, ‘micro-businesses’ will have the option to trade for short periods during this year’s market without the commitment of the full event. For visitors to the market this simply means they will get a surprise each time they visit, with stalls changing throughout the duration of the event – definitely an area not to be missed. Another highlight this year is the opening night Holburne Lantern Procession, when a throng of local children will form a parade from the Holburne Museum, along Bath’s widest and stunning Great Pulteney Street, over the iconic Pulteney Bridge and through the Christmas Market. Armed with their own handmade lanterns, the children will light up the streets as they march along celebrating the ‘feast’ of Christmas. Always romantic and traditionally festive, with tempting fare and gentle entertainment befitting the time of year, the area around Bath Abbey will play host to choirs singing carols and talented solo musicians singing festive songs.
And as an extra treat for shoppers this year, visitors to Bath Christmas Market have the chance to win a trip to visit Santa in Lapland by simply uploading a picture to a Facebook app. The market’s location, in the heart of the city, is perfect for visitors to enjoy all that the city has to offer – just steps away from the city’s train station, a wonderful mix of high street and designer shops, fascinating attractions and warm, inviting cafes and bars.
For more information about Bath Christmas Market, visit: www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk.
