York Christmas Market cancelled
It follows new public health guidance.
Last updated 13th Oct 2020
The York Christmas Market won't go ahead this year, due to public health concerns.
City of York Council say they're taking the lead from cities such as Lincoln, Bath and Leeds.
In a statement, the Council says all York residents will be invited to a special Christmas experience, which will include new pop up spaces, York’s Christmas lights (which are currently being installed) and opportunities to support a range of local businesses, including small and independent traders.
Councillor Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said: "This is an important time for our city. Despite our collective efforts, York is now reflecting what we’ve seen across the country, and despite the efforts of local residents and businesses, the rate of infection in our city has now exceeded the national average.
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health at City of York Council said: “York is currently experiencing increasing rates of transmission – with more hospital admissions, more calls to NHS 111 and more positive test results. Reversing the increasing rates of infection and stopping the spread is of vital importance to our city and country.
“By sharing the criteria which informs our approach, we are encouraging residents to think differently about how they celebrate key moments in our Autumn calendar. If the cases in York reduces considerably, we will of course revisit how we can celebrate events in the city".
Sean Bullick, Managing Director of Make It York said: “It is with great sadness that we’ve had to take the decision to cancel the 2020 Christmas market. This decision has not been taken lightly and we’ve been working hard alongside partners, the Council and the Safety Advisory Group to consider all possible options and look at ways to run a safe event.
"We know how important this event is for the city, however, our number one priority continues to be the health and wellbeing of our residents, visitors, traders and the city as a whole.
“We understand the impact this will have on local traders, retailers and other hospitality businesses across the city and we will be working hard to support them over the next few months and promote the unique festive offering that the city has.
"Plans are underway for a virtual Christmas market which will celebrate the outstanding diversity of local traders, retailers and businesses across the city and allow people to experience a taste of what York has to offer from the comfort of their own home".
Andrew Lowson, Executive Director, York Business Improvement District, said: "There is still so much to enjoy in the city - the BID have started to install the 15km of lights which transform our beautiful city over the festive period, and our local businesses are making preparations to offer a quality festive experience in a safe and controlled environment. We hope that people will continue to support local businesses and soak up the unique atmosphere found in York at Christmas time.”