Christmas Market is saved
Southampton's Christmas market will go ahead after the previous operator pulled out with just weeks to go
Last month the council announced WELA Märkte would not deliver it this year.
S&D Leisure has stepped in to run the attraction in Above Bar Street from 17 November until 24 December.
Councillor Satvir Kaur, Leader of Southampton City Council, said:
“Since the sudden and disappointing news from Wela Märkets, we’ve been working hard with partners to save Christmas in Southampton. I’m excited S&D Leisure, who have a strong track-record in delivering Christmas in places like Manchester and Bournemouth, will be in Southampton city centre during this year’s festive period. It means that small businesses that were hoping to trade can still do so, and we can still offer an exciting mix of entertainment, food, drink and shopping for visitors and local residents alike.
“This alongside the official Christmas light switch-on outside the Marlands; the ice-rink at West Quay; visiting Santa in Tudor House and the Bavarian Wünderland in Guildhall Square; there is plenty to delight all ages and backgrounds from near and far this Christmas in Southampton.”
Despite being up against time and with most suppliers and contractors already booked for the festive period, S&D Leisure have stepped up and will deliver a variety of Christmas traders, festive bars with live music, visits from Santa plus many delicious food choices.
Managing Director, Stanley Reeves, commented:
“We are pleased to be stepping in to provide a Christmas market in Southampton this year and we will do our best at such late notice. Although we know it will be a challenge, our brilliant team is working hard to bring extra sparkle to Southampton with lots to see and celebrate this season.”
Visitors to Southampton Christmas Market can also expect a traditional horse carousel and other children's rides. The bars will offer festive Glühwein, tasty hot chocolates and hot mulled cider. Traders will be selling mouth-watering treats such as crêpes, German sausages, cheeses and other Christmassy nibbles as well as gifts and goodies for loved ones. Entertainment will be adding to the party atmosphere Thursdays to Sundays in the main bar’s covered area.
S&D Leisure are well known for presenting outdoor events including Summer Live in Bournemouth Square, Manchester Christmas Market and the Bournemouth Christmas Market before the current organisers.