Calls to ‘Rethink’ Newcastle Christmas Markets

Local TV

NE1 Hospitality Group, a collective of over 50 businesses are calling for Newcastle City Council to ‘rethink’ the Christmas markets, saying that the council have barely consulted the businesses affected in the space used in the market, and claiming they disrupt trade for businesses that are in the town centre all year.

Transcript

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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