Bath Christmas Market set to be another success
Bath Christmas Market, one of the most well respected festive gift markets and Christmas events in the UK, is set to go ahead in its eighth year from 27th November - 7th December 2008. With the event growing in popularity year on year, now is the perfect time to start planning a visit.
117 wooden chalets full of everything needed to prepare for the perfect Christmas will occupy the Abbey Churchyard area once again. A magical setting in the shadow of Bath Abbey and next to the Roman Baths, right in the centre of the stunning Georgian city's shopping district, the market is just five minutes easy walk from Bath Spa train station.
With an estimated 200,000 people a year visiting the market, the organiser, Bath Tourism Plus, are certain that the 2008 event will be another success.
Although over 85% of the stalls have already been filled for this year's event, Bath Tourism Plus are still encouraging new traders to apply for retail chalets in order to freshen up the offering, with preference given to local, handmade, ethically sourced or fair-trade products. New traders will also be considered for the waiting list which is currently being compiled. The team who select the retailers are keen to ensure a good mix of high quality products, including Christmas decorations, gifts, toys, clothing, household and food products, all at a range of prices. To find out more about applying, contact Victoria Spriggs on 01225 396417 or email victoria_spriggs@bathtourism.co.uk. Applications need to be submitted by the 25th April and the final selection will be made by the end of May.
As well as seeking new traders, Bath Tourism Plus are also concentrating on possible improvements to enhance the Christmas Market experience. Robin Bischert, Chief Executive at Bath Tourism Plus says: "Although the event is evidently a huge success for local businesses, market retailers and visitors, we are not complacent, and are currently investigating options for improvements to the event for 2008." Possible improvements include the provision of toilets for visitors and the development of the entertainment programme by working with local schools, colleges, universities and forums to showcase the best of Bath's cultural offering.
Marketing messages will be communicated to help relieve congestion in the city by encouraging visitors to come in the quieter times during the daytime, midweek, and promoting the use of public transport and the city's Park & Ride services.
In addition to the Christmas Market, Bath also has many festive events taking place in and around the city. Events Executive at Bath Tourism Plus, Victoria Spriggs, says: "We are really hoping to work with other events this year in an effort to build Bath's reputation as a Christmas destination. We are all marketing our events to the same audience, so it would be good to work together. If any organisations are planning events for the festive period, we would be very interested in hearing from them."
For assistance with a visit to Bath including things to see and do and accommodation, the official tourism website www.visitbath.co.uk gives full details. Alternatively, the Tourist Information Centre offer a professional and friendly service on 0906 7112000 (50p/min) or an accommodation booking service on 0844 8475256. Further information about the Bath Christmas Market can be found on www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk.
Copyright © 2008 Bath Tourism Plus
