Bath Christmas Market returns!
It's back for its 20th anniversary having not happened since 2019
Bath's Christmas Market is back for its 20th anniversary, having been cancelled in both 2020 and 2021.
The event, considered one of the best of its kind in Europe, which attracts hundreds of thousands of people into the area and millions of pounds into the economy, has not happened since 2019 because of a mix of coronavirus and staffing issues.
It returns today though, with 175 stalls known as "chalets" spread all around the city centre.
Kevin Guy is the leader of Bath and North East Somerset (Banes) Council, which organises the whole thing.
"It's amazing news for the city of Bath and the region (that it's back)," he said.
"It's the 20th anniversary of the Christmas Market, it's always rated one of the top 10 Christmas markets in Europe and we're extremely proud of it.
"It's a huge boost for the local economy and for the residents so we're very, very proud that it's returning to the city of Bath."
The Council received some criticism for how it handled the market last year.
Initially it was announced the 2021 edition would be the biggest ever, spanning a record 25 days.
However, several months later the whole thing was cancelled, when the council said a mix of Brexit and the pandemic meant there was a shortage of staff available in key areas.
Thankfully there are no such issues this year.
"Covid had a significant impact on the city of Bath as it did all other regions, so every trader I've spoken to is really, really enthusiastic to have the market return," Councillor Guy said.
"There is 175 stalls, 17 catering pitches, there will be four Christmas carts with 20 different micro businesses attached to them.
"And we're really, really proud this year, we've got two charity chalets, which will have 38 different charities over 18 days."
Luke Hollingworth has run a stall at the market since 2014 and we spoke to him while he was setting up for this year.
He told us it is "fantastic" to be back.
"There's always such a buzz at the Bath Christmas Market, it's a really big event full of international customers from all over the world," he said.
"Obviously with the pandemic it was cancelled a couple of times as most events were, and it was a real body blow to a lot of small, independent traders and businesses that have historically traded here at the Christmas Market.
"Certainly for me it was very difficult and challenging."
Anyone planning to visit the market is urged not to drive, with parking around Bath city centre limited and traffic expected to be heavy at peak times.
Instead, the council is urging everyone to either walk or get public transport.
However, that is not likely to be straight forward this year as, for example, a strike among rail workers means no Great Western Railway trains are due to stop at Bath Spa on Saturday (November 26).
Meanwhile, a shortage of bus drivers, which is being experienced across the UK, means services in the west country are experiencing more issues, including cancellations, than would previously have been the case.
If you do make it to Bath, as well as the market there is also an ice skating rink and mini golf course at Royal Victoria Park, on top of all the permanent shops and restaurants in the city.
You can find out more about the market here.