Decision details

The Bath Christmas Market provides an economic lift not just to the stall holders but also to retail, accommodation, hospitality and tourism sectors across Bath and North East Somerset.  For 2021 the Council wishes to trial an extension for 7 days and deliver the event closer to the run up to Christmas.

The Leader agrees to approve a 7-day extension to Bath Christmas Market, to run from 25 November to 19 December 2021, launching with a Residents Evening on 24 November.

Bath Christmas Market is ranked in the top 10 in Europe. It attracts 400,000 visitors per year, with an estimated spend in the City of £32.5 million (2019). As well as supporting accommodation, retail and hospitality sectors the Market provides an economic uplift to visitor attractions in the winter months.

The Bath Christmas Market provides the gateway to an annual economic uplift for multiple commercial sectors such as accommodation, retail, hospitality and tourism in the B&NES region. The market gives a platform to local charities and supports community groups through a wide range of projects and local initiatives.

Extending the Christmas Market for an additional week, as part of the Council’s commitment to support stall holders, retailers, the accommodation sector and hospitality industry as they recover from the impact of Covid-19.

This will be the first time in the Market’s 20-year history it will run for 25 days, with a launch event for B&NES residents on 24 November, ending on Sunday 19 December.

This decision was made under Rule 15 of the Council’s Constitution as an urgent decision. This matter is urgent due to July deadline, to finalise arrangements for the market to complete all necessary administrative tasks to permit the market to open on the 25 November 2021.

Not extending the Market for 7 days.