Leeds Christmas Market returns after four-year absence

The market is the first in Leeds since 2019

Leeds Christmas Market has opened in the city for the first time since 2019.

Up to 2m visitors are expected to visit stalls across the city centre between now and Christmas, organisers said.

In previous years the market has been based in Millennium Square, but for 2023 traders will be spread across central Leeds.

About one in four of the 120 market stalls will host a Yorkshire-based trader, organisers added, with the event running until 22 December.

Previous years were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and then logistical costs.

Three outdoor bar areas will be located on Briggate, Quebec Street and Dortmund Square, the city council said, with "family-friendly" areas including the Ice Cube skating rink in Millennium Square.

Kate Nicholls, UK Hospitality chief executive, said she hoped it was a return to the big Leeds Christmas events seen in previous years.

"We've seen visitors who would normally have come into Leeds going to York or going to Manchester," she said.

"We'd like to see them staying in Leeds and experience the best hospitality Leeds has to offer."

Shoppers in Leeds told the BBC they were excited about the return of the Christmas market

The market will be spread across 13 areas of Leeds city centre, including City Square (pictured)

The new market is operated by Market Place Europe, which also runs events in Harrogate, Carlisle and Belfast.

Leeds shopper Victoria said: "I love the idea of spreading it across the town and getting in the festive spirit.

"I love the look of it, the lights, the different food on offer - what's not to like?"

Ms Nicholls added: "Christmas markets are a real draw and bring people in from across the region, so you get more footfall, more spend, more opportunities for people to come and eat and drink out in existing outlets as well as the Christmas market."