Despite drawing record crowds, traders at this year's Manchester Christmas Markets reported lower spending compared to previous years. Factors like bad weather, rail strikes, and the rising cost of living were cited as possible reasons for the decline.
This year’s Manchester Christmas Markets have drawn to a close after seven weekends of festive fun. The markets, which have been running since 1998, take over the city centre with hundreds of stalls selling everything from bratwurst and hot chocolate to candles and scarves. This year, the markets have been set up across nine hubs since the beginning of November.
Whilst they have still been incredibly popular, with the likes of Flat Baker and Porky Pig notably drawing in the biggest of crowds over the seven weeks, some traders have reported how it's been a little different this year compared to previous ones. Last week, traders cited the likes of bad weather, train strikes and the soaring cost of living as reasons that they think visitors have been less keen to part with their money - and it’s something that Manchester Council has agreed on too. Zoe, from the popular Witch House which moved to New Cathedral Street this season, told the Manchester Evening News: 'I’d say this has been the worst one. We usually have a lot of staff around this time, it’s usually go, go, go. But not this year.” Lisa Shaw, from the nearby Cheese Board, said she felt this year’s markets had lost some of ‘that Christmas feeling’. She explained: “Manchester has always been the best Christmas market by far for foot flow and organising. “This year has not had that Christmas feeling. That umph is not there this year. In other years, you'd see people coming from Christmas parties, jolly and drunk coming to the markets to spend. People are shopping a lot less. Very, very few people are walking around with bags.” That being said, there have still been big crowds with the likes of Piccadilly Gardens and St. Ann’s Square proved to be the most popular. Manchester Council said there had been a ‘record attendance’ this yea
Manchester Christmas Markets Record Attendance Traders Economy
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Council issues statement on Manchester Christmas Markets amid Storm DarraghThe stormy weather is sweeping across the region
Read more »
Manchester Christmas Markets Crowned Most Affordable in the UKA new study has revealed Manchester’s Christmas Markets as the most affordable in the UK, beating out popular destinations like Birmingham, Edinburgh, and London’s Winter Wonderland. Researchers considered factors like hotel costs, price mentions in reviews, and social media popularity.
Read more »
Brilliant photos show how Manchester celebrated Christmas before the marketsMany of these photos were taken long before the Christmas Markets were a thing in Manchester
Read more »
Popular bar says Manchester Christmas Markets are having ‘detrimental’ impact'People don’t seem to be aware of the detrimental impact it can have on the bars and pubs that are already here'
Read more »
Last chance for festive day out as Manchester Christmas Markets to closeThe six-week run is set to come to an end
Read more »
The ultimate guide to Manchester Christmas Markets including price, map and foodThe annual event attracts millions of visitors a year
Read more »