Countdown to Bath Christmas Market begins

8th November 2010

Bath Christmas Market extended for 2010: 25 November – 12 December

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Bath Christmas Market has been extended this year from 11 to 18 days and will start trading at 10.00am on Thursday 25 November, continuing through to Sunday 12 December.  With just over two weeks to go, Bath Tourism Plus, organiser of the Bath Christmas Market, is beginning the final countdown to the event. 

In addition to the Bath Christmas Market being extended, there will also be more choice for shoppers with additional retail chalets in front of Bath Abbey.  There will be a total of over 130 retailers selling unique, handmade and locally sourced products as well as a number of catering stalls selling warming food and drink.

Encouraging approximately 225,000 visitors to the city each year, Bath Christmas Market is the premier Christmas shopping event in the South West.  Not only do those 225,000 visitors bring festive cheer to the stallholders but businesses in the whole of the city benefit from the unique event.  The last independent survey carried out by South West Tourism at the Bath Christmas Market showed that the average spend per person on goods bought at the Bath Christmas Market was around £20, while an average of £40 was spent outside of the market in other businesses (excluding accommodation and travel).

Robin Bischert, chief executive of Bath Tourism Plus, said: “A great deal of hard work goes into the organisation of Bath Christmas Market and that is especially true this year with the extension of the event from 11 to 18 days.  We have a small team dedicated to making the Christmas Market a success for all involved including businesses in and around the city centre that benefit from the influx of people to the area”.

All of the stallholders have been confirmed for the 2010 Christmas Market now, and a list of those retailing can be found on the website www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk.

As in previous years there will be entertainment from local choirs and school groups to provide a festive atmosphere throughout the event, and on the opening night the Snow Queen on Stilts and her elf will be making a welcome return.  There will also be a very special appearance from two real-life reindeer and Father Christmas, which will definitely be the centre of attention for children!

Charlotte Buckley, events executive at Bath Tourism Plus, said: “The Bath Christmas Market is such a popular event and always very much anticipated so we’re working hard to ensure everything is in place to offer visitors and residents the perfect festive experience.  It definitely seems that customers are pleased with the event: over 80% of people are repeat visitors to the market, so we’re keen to ensure that we continue to attract people here”.

Bath is no doubt going to be a busy place on 25 November and throughout the duration of the Bath Christmas Market and Bath Tourism Plus is promoting the Park and Ride (the service has been especially extended), and other public transport as the best way to reach the city.

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Notes to Editors:  
For further information please contact Lucy Weaver at Bath Tourism Plus on 01225 477441 or email: lucy_weaver@bathtourism.co.uk

Bath Christmas Market
Bath Tourism Plus is the company responsible for the marketing and operation of Bath Christmas Market, which attracts approximately 225,000 visitors per year to Bath.  For more information about Bath Christmas Market, visit: www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk.

Bath Tourism Plus
Working with the public and private sectors, Bath’s destination marketing organisation, Bath Tourism Plus, takes full responsibility for co-ordinating the work of a busy tourist information centre, the marketing of Bath and the surrounding area to leisure and business travellers, PR activity to attract the nation’s top travel writers, a conference office, and development of Bath’s official destination website www.visitbath.co.uk.  For more information about the services that Bath Tourism Plus offers to meetings, conference and incentive travel businesses, see www.bathconference.co.uk.