VIDEO: Harrogate's Christmas market is dubbed the 'best yet'

Father Christmas and his reindeer arrive at the market. Picture: Adrian Murray

The four-day event sited at the bottom of Montpellier Hill was attended by 60,000 people, with 200 stall holders taking part.

The market is organised by Yorkshire Business Market Ltd. Brian Dunsby, Lead Organiser, said: “It has been a fantastic four-day event once again, and the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Not only that, but the local shops, cafes and restaurants in Harrogate have all told us they have been extremely busy with early Christmas shoppers.”

Harrogate Christmas Market Chairman, John Fox, added: “This year has certainly been our best yet and we must say particular thanks to our volunteers, who gave up their time to help us set up, run and take down the market.

“We’re very grateful to local businesses and residents for their cooperation and support too – they all help to make the market the special event that it is.”

On the first day of the market, stallholders were reporting good sales, and with the cold November evenings, many market goers were enjoying warm food and beverages.

Co-Owner of The Crusty Pie Company, Richard Echouse, said: “Today the most popular pie we’ve sold has been pork and black pudding strangely enough, it’s usually pork and apple.

“We’ve been coming for quite a few years, I think we’ve come every year. We do sell quite a lot, especially at the weekend.”

A number of alterations and new offers were made for the fifth market, including widening of the pathways and a special offer by Virgin Trains to travel from London to Harrogate.

Mr Dunsby said: “A few adjustments to the layout helped to improve the flow of visitors at peak times.

“The first ever Christmas Market services from London helped to boost the event and put Harrogate on the map, so we’re very grateful to Virgin Trains East Coast for their support.”

The improvements did not go unnoticed by visitors, who were in high spirits despite the wet weather.

Glynis Harrison said: “Last year I left because I couldn’t stand all the crowds, you couldn’t move, but it seems to be easier to get around this time.

“I’d recommend people know this is a Yorkshire venue, come with the right boots on and dressed for the part.”

Did you enjoy the market? Was this year’s market even better than before?

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