A date has been set for the return of Newcastle’s hugely-popular Christmas Market – and there’s not long to wait until they open.
The festive market will run for six weeks in the run up to Christmas as part of a host of yuletide events being held in the city with a focus on stalls run by local traders.
The Christmas Market will run from Saturday November 19 until Friday December 23 and has been extended on last year’s event with stalls running up Grainger Street, the top of Grey Street and Old Eldon Square.
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Other events being held in Newcastle include the Grainger Market being given a festive overhaul including a Santa’s grotto.
Speaking on the host of events being planned, Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd said: “Every year, Newcastle’s Christmas offer improves and evolves, and I am delighted that we continue to build on what was achieved last year.
"It is hugely important that over the festive period, Newcastle looks its best and that we provide a compelling offer that has something for everyone, including free of charge events and activities for the family.
“The festive offer, including the Grainger Market and the extended Christmas outdoor market will be fantastic for the city, businesses, residents, and visitors alike.”
The opening of the Christmas Market will follow the big light switch-on by radio presenters Steve and Karen on Tuesday November 15.
There’ll also be a separate ceremony to light the city’s Christmas tree which is being gifted by its twin city of Bergen in Norway.
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Newcastle Councillor Lesley Storey, Cabinet Member for A Vibrant City, added: “Christmas and New Year is a time when people want to spend time with their loved-ones, and we want to offer everyone the chance to access good-quality, inclusive events.
“This year, more than ever we are keen to spread some positivity at a time when so many people are struggling. We want to be able to lift everyone’s spirits and hopefully create a sense of wellbeing during these challenging times. We hope the events we have planned will light up our city in more ways than one.
“Our plans in the city centre will focus on the Grainger Market as the hub for local businesses, and I am delighted this year it will have far more of a Christmassy feel, with a festive exterior, more decorations and a dedicated programme of events to suit all tastes. And local traders will be further supported as the ever-popular outdoor Christmas market has been extended.
The hugely popular Fenwick window is also set to return, with the date it will be unveiled yet to be announced.
Adding to the festivities, plans are in place for Hadrian’s Tipi and Stack to make a return in Stephenson’s Quarter, after the popular shipping container venue was forced to close earlier this year.
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