The UK’s only Christmas market in a seaside resort has been axed after just one year of operation.
Brighton’s Winter Fayre was launched in 2024 by a trio of business owners in an effort to enhance the holiday spirit in one of the nation’s most popular destinations.
However, the festive market will no longer be running this year following a mutual decision by Anne-Marie Chebib, Becky Stevens and Lisa Norman to take a step back from hosting – and that no one has come forward to take their place.
In the lead up to last year’s inaugural event, which took place in Brighton’s Valley Gardens, the trio promised the city a ‘winter extravaganza it truly deserves’.
But things quickly took a turn for the worse on opening day, when visitors were forced to evacuate as the two-week festival became blighted by strong winds and heavy rain.
According to The Argus, a tent pole collapse forced the cancellation of the entire first weekend of festivities, and severe weather continued into the second weekend, leading to further cancellations.
A company spokesman said: ‘The team have decided to take a break from the Brighton Winter Fayre this year. We’re so grateful for all the support the event has had, and we hope to bring it back in the future.’
Following the announcement, Brighton and Hove City Council has since confirmed no suitable candidate has been found to organise a similar event for Christmas this year.
Brighton’s Christmas Market will no longer be running this year following a mutual decision by Anne-Marie Chebib, Becky Stevens and Lisa Norman to take a step back from hosting
Following the announcement, Brighton and Hove City Council has since confirmed no suitable candidate has been found to organise a similar event for Christmas this year
However, Councillor Birgit Miller, cabinet member for culture, heritage and tourism at Brighton and Hove City Council, has said there are ‘plenty of festive events’ taking place across the city,
But there is ‘unlikely to be a market-style event’.
She added: ‘This was a private venture, not a council event, and the reality is nobody suitable has come forward offering to run a similar event in its place.’
Instead, visitors and locals can get into the Christmas spirit by checking out Brilliant Brighton’s Festive Afternoon, the ice rink at the Royal Pavilion, the WILD drone light show at Sussex cricket’s ground, and the Christmas lights switch on at Shelter Hall.
A number of festive shows at a range of local venues, along with the Artists Open Houses Festival, will also be taking place this winter season.
For a Christmas market in the UK, large cities like Birmingham and Edinburgh are well-known for their festive celebrations.
But a small village in the Lakes is also throwing its hat in the ring this year.
Once home to two of Britain’s greatest literary figures, William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, Hawkshead, a village in Cumbria, lies within the Lake District National Park.
Hawkshead has been featured in various TikTok videos, including one showing the Christmas Market and village covered in snow
Pictured: Looking towards Hawkshead from Wansfell in the Lake District
Northwest of Windermere, the village, which has a population of around 500, is made up of narrow, cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and old cottages.
The main festive event in the village is the Hawkshead Christmas fair, which takes place between December 6 and 7 this year.
Jerry Rebbeck, a local expert at Wheelwrights Holiday Cottages, said: ‘Just a 30-minute drive from bustling Grasmere, Hawkshead is a true hidden gem, especially during the Christmas period.
‘The fair takes place across one weekend every year, taking over the centre of the village with stalls full of local produce, food and drink.
‘This tiny village comes alive with street performers, carol singing and even a lantern parade. It’s a fabulous thing to visit and be a part of.’
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
