Southampton WILL have a Christmas Market this year - it has been confirmed.
Three weeks ago, it was revealed that plans for a market in the town this winter had been shelved.
But, now, S&D Leisure have stepped forward to save Christmas in Southampton.
Councillor Satvir Kaur, Leader of Southampton City Council, said:
“Since the sudden and disappointing news from Wela Märkets, we’ve been working hard with partners to save Christmas in Southampton.
"I’m excited S&D Leisure, who have a strong track-record in delivering Christmas in places like Manchester and Bournemouth, will be in Southampton city centre during this year’s festive period. It means that small businesses that were hoping to trade can still do so, and we can still offer an exciting mix of entertainment, food, drink and shopping for visitors and local residents alike.
“This alongside the official Christmas light switch-on outside the Marlands; the ice-rink at West Quay; visiting Santa in Tudor House and the Bavarian Wünderland in Guildhall Square; there is plenty to delight all ages and backgrounds from near and far this Christmas in Southampton.”
Despite being up against time and with most suppliers and contractors already booked for the festive period, S&D Leisure have stepped up and will deliver a variety of Christmas traders, festive bars with live music, visits from Santa plus many delicious food choices.
Managing Director, Stanley Reeves, said:
“We are pleased to be stepping in to provide a Christmas market in Southampton this year, and we will do our best at such late notice.
"Although we know it will be a challenge, our brilliant team is working hard to bring extra sparkle to Southampton with lots to see and celebrate this season.”
Visitors to Southampton Christmas Market can also expect a traditional horse carousel and other children's rides. The bars will offer festive Glühwein, tasty hot chocolates and hot mulled cider. Traders will be selling treats such as crepes, German sausages, cheeses and other Christmassy nibbles as well as gifts and goodies for loved ones. Entertainment will be adding to the party atmosphere Thursdays to Sundays in the main bar’s covered area.
Alongside the opening of the Christmas market on November 17, Southampton’s Countdown to Christmas free event, organised by GO! Southampton, will be taking place from 4pm to 7pm and feature a roaming theatre with snow lions and winter wonderland birds to runaway presents and live on-street music.
At Guildhall Square, the Bavarian Wünderland will also be open, with a range of traders plus live entertainment, games, food and drink and more.
Salvation Army Receives Festive Boost Thanks To December Donation From Southern Vectis
Isle Of Wight Council Supporting ‘Hoodies For Homeless’ Campaign
Man In 20s 'Under Investigation' Following Drink-Drive Arrest
Big Give 2024 Sees Huge Donation For Isle Of Wight Charity
Growing Resistance Over 14 Home Development Plans For Northwood
Parish Council Objects To Waste Recycling Plant At Knighton
Highways Improvement Work Continues In The New Year
Yarmouth's Kings Head To Feature Bed And Breakfast Accommodation
New Low Cost Flats Could Come To Ryde - If Plans Get Approved
Casualty Airlifted To Hospital Following Serious Overnight Crash Near Porchfield
Engine Problems Lead To Yarmouth RNLI Callout To Osborne Bay
Ryde Academy Students Donate To Two Worthy Causes At Christmas
Road Improvement Works To Get Underway From The Very Start Of The New Year
Isle of Wight Youth Trust Benefits From Big Give Support
Council Chair 'Furious' Over Floating Bridge Replacement Fiasco
Fire Service Travel To Island Contributes To Huge Budget Overspend
Department Approaching Completion In Ryde As Opening Date Announced
Guidance Issued Over Sharps Disposal As Waste Teams At Risk
Police Warnings Over E-Scooters Ahead Of Christmas Day
Controversial Freshwater Housing Proposal Turned Down
