The Bath Christmas Market, which claims to be one of the most popular in the UK, has come under fire from local traders and visitors who have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the event.
Annette Dolan, the managing director of Bath Aqua Glass, has called for a meeting with the council to restore the magic of the market and prioritize local businesses. She said that the market, which ran from November 23 to December 10, was criticized in national and local media, social media, and by her regular customers who missed her stall at the market this year due to the death of her husband Adrian.
Dolan’s sentiments are echoed by numerous other local traders, who feel that the market has become commercialized and does not sufficiently support and showcase the talents and businesses of Bath. There is a call for local artisans and craftspeople to be given priority and ample space in the market to showcase their products, as opposed to large commercial entities that are seen to dominate the event.
Despite its previous reputation as a festive and magical event, the recent feedback from both traders and visitors has been overwhelmingly negative, highlighting the need for changes to restore the charm that the Bath Christmas Market was once celebrated for.
The frustration voiced by Dolan and other traders underscores the impact that the market’s setup and management have had on local businesses. Prioritizing local businesses and reviving the traditional and artisanal aspects of the market could potentially rekindle the magic and festive spirit that have been diminished in recent years.
Local entities are hopeful that the council will take these concerns seriously and work towards revitalizing the market to better align with the needs and expectations of both traders and visitors. The sentiment is clear: the Bath Christmas Market, in its current state, is falling short of its potential and it must adapt and evolve to regain its status as a celebrated and beloved festive attraction.
