Help shape the future of the Christmas Market
People interested in shaping the future of the St Albans Christmas Market are urged to attend a workshop where they can put forward their suggestions and ideas.
Two meetings are to be held for an open discussion about all the issues surrounding the annual event.
No subject is off the agenda and topics that might be raised include location, opening hours, management, marketing, chalet fees, attractions and type of produce sold.
Anyone interested in the market’s development is welcome and it is hoped representatives of particular groups will attend.
These include nearby residents, City Centre retailers, Christmas and Charter Market traders, local businesses and the Cathedral community.
The workshops will take place on Saturday 3 February, 10am to noon, and Wednesday 7 February, 6pm – 8pm, at the Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street.
The first gathering will take place in the Council Chamber and the second in Committee Room One.
Feedback from the workshops will be carefully considered and may result in major changes to this year’s event.
The Christmas market, organised by St Albans City and District Council, was started in 2013 and has been held every year since.
Last year, it attracted more than 100,000 visitors, including almost 50 coach trips. It and was held in the historic, walled Vintry Garden beside the Cathedral.
There was a food court at its centre, live entertainment in a giant tipi and wooden chalets selling a wide range of seasonal gifts and produce.
Councillor Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “These two workshops will help determine the future of the Christmas Market which has become one of our most popular annual attractions.
“We are very open minded about how the Market should be developed and will be receptive to ideas and suggestions about any changes that people would like to see.
“We want the Market to get bigger and better so we need to hear from people how we can bring about improvements.
“I urge anyone with an interest in this great event to come along to one of the workshops and contribute to this challenge.”
Anyone planning to attend is asked is to let the organisers know by emailing Christmas@stalbans.gov.uk so they have an idea of what numbers to expect.
Those who cannot attend, but would like to give their views can do so by using the same email address.
Councillor contact:
Councillor Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Business and the Community for St Albans City and District Council.
Tel: 07956 220264; e-mail: Cllr.B.Read@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the media:
John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City & District Council
Tel: 01727 296130; e-mail: john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk