Traders call for Christmas market rethink

Newcastle's Christmas Market "lacks imagination", a local hospitality group claims

A group of traders have demanded a rethink of a city's Christmas market amid accusations it is hurting neighbouring businesses.

The NE1 Hospitality Group, a Newcastle-based alliance of food, drink and leisure venues, argues the attraction is "increasingly seen as generic" while competing directly with existing businesses.

The criticism comes after the Priory Press cafe complained it had been blocked off by the market's stalls.

Council officials say 84% of traders this year come from within 20 miles (32km) of Newcastle and that shoppers spend an average £3.30 in other city businesses for every £1 spent at the market.

Describing the festive offering as a missed opportunity that lacks imagination, a spokesperson for the hospitality group said Newcastle "deserves a Christmas market that feels like it belongs to the city - one that strengthens local businesses and reflects our identity".

They accused the council of failing to address "the fundamental issue" of making decisions without consulting people most affected and argued a headline economic impact figure in excess of £90m "does not tell us who actually benefits".

Independent traders "consistently report reduced footfall" during the market's operation, they added.

They called for a "full review" including a promise that the council will engage with local businesses, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Carefully curated'

A council spokesperson defended the market, saying it was "improving and bringing more money into the city" every year.

A total of 1.76 million visits last year was an increase of 28% compared with 2023, they said, calculating the additional spend generated by the event at £90.6m.

The spokesperson added all traders this year were "hand-selected for quality and variety" with recognised brands such as Fenwick, For the Love of the North and Baltic demonstrating a commitment to a "carefully curated" local offering.

Nine traders from the city's historic Grainger Market have also been given stalls, they said, while extending the Christmas event along Nelson Street was a move designed to help connect the two offerings.

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