Bath's Christmas Market boosts local economy by £50 million - as 2023 dates are announced
Bath and North East Somerset Council say around £50 flowed into the local economy last year with the annual Christmas Markets - as the 2023 dates are announced
Last updated 9th Jun 2024
As we hear the plan for the 2023 event, last year's famous Bath Christmas Market boosted the local economy by an estimated £50 million.
That's according to stats released by Bath & North East Somerset Council who have also announced the official visitor figures for the 2022 event.
Last year's Christmas Market
Details from an independent survey carried out by The South West Research company revealed the 2022 market attracted an estimated 426,000 visitors over the 18-day event – that's up from 403,000 in 2019.
Researchers found that all associated additional spend was estimated at approximately £34.3 million, compared to £25 million in 2019.
That means - compared to 2019's £31.5 million intake - the total business turnover for Bath is up by more than 60%.
In 2022, Bath's businesses brought in approximately £50.7 million
Councillor Kevin Guy, council leader, said: “I am delighted to announce the dates for 2023 and even more so given the success of last year’s Christmas Market. Independent market research carried out during last year’s event shows a staggering economic benefit to the city. The 18-day event attracted almost half a million people, the majority of which were first-time visitors.
“Despite issues like the rail strike, the weather and the economic climate Bath Christmas Market was not only hugely popular with visitors it also received praise from traders and local businesses. We are now well under way with planning for this year’s event and I want to thank everyone who was involved and helped make it a success.”
Zoe from Zoe Rose Art - one of the traders at this year's market - said: “As a local artist, having the opportunity to trade at Bath Christmas Market was a bucket list moment and the experience did not disappoint. The organisation, planning and support of the events team were second to none, every detail was thoroughly planned and executed.”
Bath & North East Somerset Council took over the running of the event in 2020 and made a number of changes to the 20th anniversary event.
The layout of the 178 chalets selling seasonal gifts, food and drink was altered to reduce overcrowding in areas of high footfall, and for the first time, the new Christmas Carts were introduced to enable more micro-businesses to sell their wares at a reduced rate.
95% of stallholders reported a successful market and 95% of visitors said they’d now consider returning to Bath at another point in the year.
Data from an independent survey also found:
- 75% who visited Bath over the period came solely because of the Christmas market
- 37% stayed for an average of 2.4 nights
- 74% shopped outside the market
- 79% ate a meal in a local restaurant
- 48% came on foot or used public transport
Bath Christmas Market will open this year on Thursday November 23 and run for 18 days closing on Sunday December 10 with applications for stall holders opening mid-April.
Bath Christmas Market has been shortlisted for Best Event at the Bath Life Awards. The winner will be announced on 23 March.
More information for stall holders for the 2023 market will be added to the Christmas Market website in the coming weeks and those wishing to apply can sign up to the mailing list here.