Town 'will not host Christmas market' - council

The newly reopened Market Square in Northampton's town centre will not see a Christmas market this year

A council has confirmed there will not be a Christmas market in Northampton this year - a decision that one councillor described as "disappointing".

West Northamptonshire Council said the amount of planning required meant a "dedicated" Christmas market was not possible in the town's newly reopened Market Square.

The Market Square welcomed back shoppers in September after a £12m makeover and 18 months of work to install new paving, bespoke fixed stalls, lighting, seating and trees.

A spokesperson for WNC said: "Christmas markets require extensive planning, and this year our focus has been on the successful relaunch of the Market Square."

'Disappointing'

Koulla Jolley, West Northamptonshire Labour group’s shadow member for local economy, culture and leisure, said it was "disappointing" and "frustrating" to hear there would be no Christmas market.

"A festive market pulling tourism in just makes clear financial sense," she said.

WNC said a range of "festive activities" in the Market Square would be announced soon.