Around half a million visitors came to Bath to enjoy the annual Christmas Market, initial figures have revealed, giving the local economy a boost and making it one of the best in its 20-year history.
Cllr Kevin Guy with stallholders at the Bath Christmas Market | Photo © B&NES Council
The return of the market in 2022 was also hailed a resounding success by visitors and stallholders.
After a two-year break because of the coronavirus pandemic, the market welcomed an estimated half a million people over eighteen days between 24th November and 8th December 2022.
Bath & North East Somerset Council, which took over the running of the event in 2020, made a number of changes to the 20th-anniversary event.
The layout of the 178 chalets was altered to reduce overcrowding in areas of high footfall, and for the first time, carts were introduced, to enable more micro-businesses to sell their wares at a reduced rate.
Feedback from both visitors and stallholders was positive, with 94% of stallholders reporting a successful market and 95% of visitors saying they’d now consider returning to Bath at another point in the year.
Councillor Kevin Guy, council leader, said: “Bath’s Christmas Market has been consistently ranked in the top 10 in Europe for a number of years and for many people it’s a highlight of their festive calendar.
“After a two-year break because of Covid, it was wonderful to dust off the chalets and welcome back the stallholders and visitors.
“Running the market for the first time as part of ‘Bath at Christmas’ worked incredibly well, the illuminations added to the festive atmosphere created by the market and after the dark days of the pandemic the city really felt alive again.
“The market really is a fantastic draw which boosts our local economy including hotels, pubs and restaurants. It’s also really encouraging to hear the majority of visitors enjoyed their time here so much they are considering coming back.
“We’re always looking to improve though and planning is already under way to make this year’s Christmas market even better.”
More than 200 traders and 36 charities took part in the market.
Zoe from Zoe Rose Art said: “As a local artist, having the opportunity to trade at Bath Christmas Market was a bucket list moment and the experience did not disappoint.
“The organisation, planning and support of the events team were second to none, every detail was thoroughly planned and executed.”
Initial data from an independent survey of visitors to the market commissioned by the council reveals almost half come every year.
The survey also found that:
- 75% who visited Bath over the period came solely because of the Christmas market.
- 37% stayed for an average of 2.4 nights.
- 74% shopped outside the market.
- 79% ate a meal in a local restaurant.
- 48% came on foot or used public transport.
