Bath Christmas Market cancelled again
Organisers are blaming Brexit and the pandemic after saying this year's event would be the biggest ever
Last updated 17th Sep 2021
This year's Christmas Market in Bath has been cancelled just months after organisers said it would be bigger than ever.
Back in June those in charge said this year's market would run for a record 25 days from November 24 to December 19.
But now in a statement they've said it can't happen at all because a mixture of Brexit and the pandemic has caused a recruitment crisis in key areas.
"We are sad to announce that the Bath Christmas Market we know and love will not be going ahead this year," the statement reads.
"The safe running of the market has and always will be, our number one priority and this requires a significant number of security and logistics staff.
"The knock-on effect of Brexit and Covid-19 have caused a national recruitment crisis in this field and therefore Bath and North East Somerset has taken the decision to re-shape Christmas in Bath for this year."
They do add though that they are hoping to announce "some festive activities" in the coming weeks.
Back on June 30, organisers confidently announced this year's market would be historic as the longest ever.
At the time Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) Council leader Kevin Guy said the market provides a "huge boost" to the entire city.
"This year is an opportunity for us to trial an extension and run it closer to Christmas," he said.
People have been reacting negatively on social media.
One user on Twitter called it a "massive blow" that will effect "so many businesses and lives this Christmas", while another blamed "poor management".
In a separate statement BANES Council say various alternative events will be happening instead.
In their words, they include:
- A number of festive stalls in Kingston Parade and Abbey Green, with priority given to local traders
- The independent Bath artisan market in Queen Spuare
- Traditional Christmas celebrations around the Abbey Quarter
- An illumination trail of the iconic and historic buildings of Bath
- A Victorian carousel ride outside the Roman Baths
- Street entertainment and carol singing
Bath Christmas Market is ranked in the top 10 in Europe and attracts around 400,000 visitors per year.
In 2019 the last time it was held there was an estimated spend in the city of £32.5 million.