More local traders than ever at Christmas Market

A popular Christmas market has returned this year with more local traders than ever taking part.

The Bath Christmas Market runs until 15 December, with 230 traders taking part in the free event in the heart of the city.

The market, which spans the historic centre from Abbeygate Street to Milsom Street, attracts thousands of visitors from across the country.

“It’s not just important to Bath and the local area, it’s one of the greatest markets in Europe and it’s an asset to us all," said Kevin Guy, leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The Bath Christmas Market is open until 15 December

The market aims to support local businesses

“It brings in tens of millions of pounds to the local economy. It supports local businesses," continued Mr Guy.

Among them will be 80 traders attending for the first time, with 40% of the businesses signed up based in Bath and the surrounding area.

Mr Guy said that one of the aims of the market is to support the local economy

“We have 36 community groups taking part, which were given plots free of charge," he said.

Last year, more than 450,000 people visited the Bath Christmas Market.

In 2019, the market brought in an estimate of £25million to the local economy, the council said.

This figure increased to £34.3million in 2022.