Traders reassured on Northallerton Christmas Eve market cost

North Yorkshire Council has made clear that traders who usually attend the Northallerton Christmas Eve Market will not be required to pay for car park spaces in 2024 - despite many believing that an additional cost would need to be paid. 

Northallerton Market (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The popular event, which normally attracts dozens of traders that sell food, drink, and other local produce, alongside crowds of shoppers and visitors, is well-attended - with the event historically taking place for many decades. 

But initial fears that a £32 parking charge would be in place for traders had circulated around several traders - with a select few feeling 'up in arms' about the decision. 

Northallerton Market on Wednesday (October 2) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) One of these was Martin Carrick, who is part of Carricks (Fish) Ltd, which has been attending markets across North Yorkshire for 95 years and usually takes up 15 parking spaces in the market.

After initially believing that a cost was attached to the market, Mr Carrick, who attends the weekly Northallerton Market every Wednesday, insisted that "each market should be the same year on year".

Carricks Fish Ltd van in Northallerton (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Aside from the parking costs, Mr Carrick also spoke generally about markets and costs involved - citing that fuel, electricity, and other overheads made it a tough climate for traders. 

The market man, who has run the stall, taking over from his father, believes that there needs to be incentives in place for market traders if they want to survive in this climate.

Reassuring the traders, North Yorkshire Council has said that there will be no additional charges associated with Northallerton Christmas Eve market.

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North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan, said: “The Christmas Eve market in Northallerton is an annual tradition and well-attended by locals and visitors to the town.  

“This year, Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday, which is traditionally market day, so it will be moved to the Tuesday.  

“We would like to assure stallholders that, as has been the case for previous years, no additional charges will apply.”