Harrogate Christmas Market is off this year but the show will go on by digital means

The directors and organisers of Harrogate Christmas Market Ltd have announced with great regret that the Harrogate Christmas Market cannot be held in the usual way this year due mainly to the precautions needed because of the Coronavirus threat.

What would have been the ninth Christmas Market to be held on the Stray in the centre of Harrogate cannot be made “Covid-secure” to meet the requirements of North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council due to the open nature of the site with access available from all sides.

Furthermore the event normally attracts over 80,000 visitors from all over the North of England, including many places in West Yorkshire and Lancashire where lock-down restrictions still apply.

It would be impossible to limit the numbers on site and ensure social distancing at this very popular event.

Organiser Brian L Dunsby, OBE said: "We are naturally very disappointed that our normal Harrogate Christmas Market cannot take place this year, so we are turning it into a virtual on-line market.

"Most of our traders will be able to promote their goods through their own web sites, all linked to the main market site: www.HarrogateChristmasMarket.org

"In addition, this web site will feature links to numerous local businesses that normally support our Christmas Market and its many visitors.

"Looking ahead we are investigating the possibility of organising a new Spring Market in May and our next Christmas Market in November 2021.

"Keep a watch on our web site for details when available."

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