Knaresborough Christmas Market is back
No Knaresborough stallholders were able to put on a market last year due to Covid
Christmas market season is in full swing in Knaresborough and this year they're hoping it will be bigger and better than ever before.
Organisers have promised to offer visitors a Yorkshire Christmas experience to remember at the Market Place this year.
The two day event, which had to be cancelled last year due to Covid, will finish with a fireworks display along the river.
The market opens at 10am on today (Saturday 4 December) when the town centre will be filled with almost 50 stalls selling seasonal goods, gifts and the best of locally sourced produce.
Hot roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and performances by a wide variety of local dancers, brass bands and choirs will add to the festive atmosphere, as shoppers browse the brightly lit stalls and local independent shops.
Charlotte Gayle, one of the organisers from Knaresborough Chamber, said:
"There's lots for people to do and see and there are loads of great independent shops so you'll have plenty of gift ideas to choose from. We love our town events and the whole community gets behind them. It's been really disappointing for people over the last 18 months to not be able to take part in these events so it's great we've got the market and so many other Christmas events for people to look forward to.
"The fireworks is always a spectacular display and they're always a real highlight of the weekend and they're a great way to round it off. There's so much excitement around it and you can feel the enthusiasm for its return. There really is enough to keep people entertained for the whole day if they visit the market."
Market Chair, Hazel Haas, comments:
“Sadly we had to cancel last year’s market, so there is a real buzz in the town about its re-turn. It’s been a difficult 18 months for Knaresborough residents and businesses and we wanted to give everyone something to look forward to. We are also keen that this year’s event benefits the town as a whole.
"Members of our volunteer committee have been liaising with other local organisations to ensure that we are promoting the full range of festive events taking place in Knaresborough over the market weekend. We are also supporting Air cadets, Lions, Rotary, Hearing Dogs for Deaf people and Knaresborough Cricket Club, who are our charitable partners for this year."
The market weekend will close at 4.30pm on Sunday (5 December) with a firework finale, set against the backdrop of Knaresborough’s famous viaduct and the Nidd Gorge.
The centre of Knaresborough is largely pedestrianised for the event, but a free Park and Ride is available all weekend from the GSPK car park on Manse Lane to Chapel Street, close to the market square.