Potential Birmingham German Market Rival to Officially Go Forward Amid Covid Concerns

Proposals for a month-long Christmas market that could rival Birmingham’s famous German market have been given the green light.

Worcester City Council previously submitted plans to hold a market in the town in December, which will feature 30 chalets “dressed and lit to add to the festive atmosphere”.

Other stands will also be set up on Cathedral Square on the weekends from December 11 to 12 and from December 18 to 19.

In a report discussed yesterday, Monday, June 7, by the authority’s place and economic development committee, the council said the market could help attract buyers to Worcester and boost the economy as it approaches. of Christmas.

Speaking at the meeting, Conservative Councilor Simon Geraghty said: “We are all worried about the conditions in the fall and winter with the additional variants.

“But we have a clear signal that we want people to come back to town.”

Union advisor Jo Hodges added: “I always thought the Christmas party creates such a great feeling and then it’s over.

“We have about three weeks before Christmas and the main street still looks very bare because the Christmas party is over so I think having an offer of a market all the way up the main street until the eve of Christmas Eve is a wonderful idea.

“Despite all the things that could go wrong because of Covid, I hope it will be a success. It will be very good for the city.”

In a statement following the approval of the proposals, Councilor Lucy Hodgson, chair of the venue and economy committee, said: “The pandemic forced us all to have a low-key Christmas last year, I I am therefore delighted to be able to announce the return of festive pleasure for 2021.

“With both the return of the Victorian Fayre and the city’s very first month-long festive market, I have no doubts that the people of Worcester will be able to celebrate Christmas in style this year.”

Many people in Worcestershire have already reacted positively to the idea of ​​a month-long market, with several highlighting the impact such an event could have on the local economy.

“It’s a great idea,” Shell Louise Wild said. “We have to get this country back on its feet and that would really help a lot of small businesses.

Jayne James said: “Let’s make this the best of the UK Christmas market to help all of our local businesses.”

“It would be better than cramming so many people into a few days!” Michelle Wheeler added. “The income of the city is always a bonus.”

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The new market is expected to run alongside the town’s annual Victorian Christmas party, which was canceled last year due to coronavirus fears.

The event normally attracts around 150,000 visitors to the city and contributes £ 7.3million to the local economy.

Approval was also given for the return of the fayre to Worcester later this year by the Council Square and the Economic Development Committee.

James R. Rhodes