BUSINESS NEWS
Stallholders report successful return of Bath Christmas Market
An estimated 500,000 people visited last year ’ s Bath Christmas Market , making it one of the most successful in its 20-year history .
After a two-year break due to the pandemic and lockdown restrictions , the market welcomed half a million visitors over 18 days between Thursday 24th November and Thursday 8th December 2022 .
According to Bath & North East Somerset Council , which has organised the event since 2020 , the market has been hailed a resounding success by visitors and stallholders .
More than 200 traders and 36 charities took part , with the layout of the 178 chalets altered to reduce overcrowding in areas of high footfall .
Smaller units , or ‘ carts ’, were also introduced to enable micro-businesses to sell their wares .
Data from an independent survey of visitors to the market commissioned by the Council shows that 94 per cent of stallholders reported a successful market , whilst 95 per cent of visitors said they would now consider returning to Bath at another point in the year .
Other key statistics from the survey include :
• 75 per cent who visited Bath over the period came solely because of the Christmas market
• 37 per cent stayed for an average of 2.4 nights
• 74 per cent shopped outside the market
• 79 per cent ate a meal in a local restaurant
• 48 per cent came on foot or used public transport
Councillor Kevin Guy , Council Leader , said , “ Bath ’ s Christmas Market has been consistently ranked in the top 10 in Europe for a number of years and for many people it ’ s a highlight of their festive calendar . After a two-year break because of Covid , it was wonderful to dust off the chalets and welcome back the stallholders and visitors .
“ Running the market for the first time as part of ‘ Bath at Christmas ’ worked incredibly well . The illuminations added to the festive atmosphere created by the market and after the dark days of the pandemic the city really felt alive again .
“ The market really is a fantastic draw which boosts our local economy including hotels , pubs and restaurants . It ’ s also really encouraging to hear the majority of visitors enjoyed their time here so much they are considering coming back .
“ We ’ re always looking to improve though and planning is already under way to make this year ’ s Christmas market even better .”
One of the market traders , Zoe Rose , said , “ As a local artist , having the opportunity to trade at Bath Christmas Market was a
B & NES Council considers EV charging solution
Bath and North East Somerset Council is considering a trial of on-street cable channels to enable residents to charge electric vehicles safely from their homes .
A report on the proposed 18-month trial , which would allow residents with no offstreet parking to charge vehicles from their home energy supply , is being considered by Councillor Sarah Warren , Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Climate and Sustainable Travel .
The trial of three different charging cable channels could pave the way for B & NES Council to provide residents an alternative to trailing cables across the pavement , which is prohibited and causes accessibility issues .
Currently , residents can charge electric vehicles at public off-street chargers , including those in Council car parks , but there is no provision for on-street charging .
Councillor Sarah Warren said , “ With more and more people choosing the greener option of an electric vehicle , there is a growing issue in areas where there is no off-street parking . Cables trailing across the pavement present a trip hazard as well as a risk of damage to people ’ s cables . We are always considering ways to make electric vehicle charging more convenient for people , so I will be reviewing the merits of this trial carefully when making my decision on whether it should proceed .
“ We also plan to look at the viability of other ways to improve EV charging , such as providing lamp post charging and on street charging hubs , because we recognise that onstreet cable channels would only be viable for certain people whose property and pavement access route allows .
“ However , we also recognise that a switch to electric vehicles alone will not achieve the carbon emission reductions that we need to see to hit net zero , which is why we have
bucket list moment and the experience did not disappoint . The organisation , planning and support of the events team were second to none . Every detail was thoroughly planned and executed .”
Bath Christmas Market 2023 is set to return from Thursday 23rd November to Sunday 10th December .
“ Bath ' s Christmas Market has been consistently ranked in the top 10 in Europe ”
For more info : www . bathchristmasmarket . co . uk
invested in active travel routes across the district to make cycling and walking a more convenient option for more people .”
If the trial is approved , the Council would then provide further information on how people can take part in the scheme .
Providing marketing services for small and medium size businesses www . SmartThinkingConsultancy . co . uk maggie @ SmartThinkingConsultancy . co . uk 01672 646255
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