00:00Newcastle's Christmas market is at the centre of a growing dispute, as city traders call for a major rethink of how the event is run.
00:07A group representing more than 50 hospitality venues, known as the Anyone Hospitality Group,
00:12says the markets, which line the city centre through December, are becoming too commercial, too generic,
00:18and are losing the character and identity that Newcastle is known for.
00:21They argue that rather than boosting business, the market is in some cases blocking access, diluting trade,
00:27and drawing customers away from year-round independent businesses.
00:32Their concerns follow a complaint from the Priory Press Cafe on Nelson Street,
00:36which says it was left partially shut off kind festive stalls, making it harder for visitors to reach them.
00:42The group claims the event should and could do more to showcase Newcastle's culture,
00:46saying decisions about layout and traders are being made with little consultation from the businesses affected.
00:52They describe the Christmas market as a missed opportunity.
00:55However, Newcastle City Council firmly rejects the suggestion that the market is damaging local trade.
01:01Officials say 84% of this year's traders are based within 20 miles, many selling locally made products and food,
01:08and according to the council, for every £1 spent inside the market, visitors spend around £3.30 in other shops, bars and restaurants.
01:15A figure, they say, proves the event is boosting the city's economy, not draining it.
01:19The council also pointed to footfall figures reporting 1.76 million visits last year, a 28% rise on 2023,
01:28with spending linked to the market reaching over £90 million, up more than 60% year-on-year.
01:33They argue these numbers show the event is improving every year,
01:37and say plans are already in place to align the Christmas market more closely with the iconic Granger market,
01:42once renovation works are complete.
01:44They argue, with the
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