Consent for Christmas Market to expand despite no plans to do so

Bath Christmas Market has been given permission to run for an extra week, but says it has no immediate plans to do so.

Photo © B&NES Council

Councillors on Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee have voted to grant planning permission for the market to run for up to 25 days from now on.

It also expands the area covered by the event to include Queen Square, Kingsmead Square, and Parade Gardens.

But, despite having won the permission, the council team behind the hugely popular market say they have no current plans to increase the length of the event from its current 18-day duration or to use the increased area permitted.

The market brings over 440,000 people to Bath each year and generates about £64 million for the local economy.

The vast majority of traders at the market are from the South West, with 65% from the Bath area itself. Running a stall is so in demand that the council says it could let them twice over.

But council cabinet member Paul Roper told the planning committee: “The larger area is not about flooding everywhere with chalets. It’s about giving the team the flexibility to think of new ideas/new creativity, and we need space to do that.”

The council has suggested that the new areas could be used for dining, entertainment, family activities, or new retail opportunities.

Councillor Roper said that the increased timeframe would also give it more “flexibility” to move the dates where needed.

Crucially, this planning permission is permanent, unlike the previous permission which had to be renewed every three years.

Councillor Roper said that the permanent permission would make it easier for traders to invest in the long term future of the event.

He said: “This is not a money-making scheme for the council. The council has been losing money on the market and they have been struggling really hard to change the operating model so that it breaks even. And that is our goal.”

The planning committee voted 7-1 to grant planning permission at their meeting on Wednesday 2nd September.

Council cabinet member Manda Rigby said: “Bath Christmas Market is a much-loved tradition that brings people together, supports local businesses and contributes tens of millions of pounds to our local economy.

“This decision secures the future of this hugely popular, internationally recognised event and ensures it can continue to evolve responsibly and sustainably in the years ahead — which we’ll continue to do in consultation with residents, businesses and stakeholders.”

Bath Christmas Market is set to open for 2026 on 26th November and run for 18 days until 13th December.

The council has insisted that the major roadworks which have closed Manvers Street will be completed in time for the start of the market.

John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter