It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas
CAUTIOUS APPROACH IS WORKING WELL AND TRADE IS ‘NICE AND STEADY’, SAY MARKET STALLHOLDERS
STALLHOLDERS at Nottingham’s Christmas Market have opened up on their positive experience at the event, which has returned following last year’s cancellation after just one day.
Large crowds in 2020 led to the attraction being shut down over fears of lack of social distancing.
Restrictions have now eased and larger events have started to return – and market workers and stall owners say visitors are being cautious and responsible.
Taylor Newton, of the Wiltshire Chilli Farm stall, said: “It’s been really good – it’s been busy.
“Everyone seems in good spirits, buying presents for their family and friends. I think they did well opening it on a Monday this year – last year was a Saturday.
“The way they did it on a Monday – each day got a bit busier so the weekend wasn’t such a shock.
“They’ve done well spacing it out a bit more so there’s not too much crowd control to sort out.
“Everyone is fairly relaxed about it all with what’s happened,” said Mr Newton. “I’m really happy that it’s on this year.”
Matt Hamilton, of the Great British Cheese Company stall, said: “It’s been really positive since we opened – I have no complaints.
“It’s really nice for the market – everyone has been responsible.
“It’s been nice and steady, to be honest. A few more masks have been worn. It’s great that people are being cautious.”
Alex Mcvurnie, 37, who works at the Ashby Aromatherapy stall, added: “It’s been positive, actually – I haven’t worked in a stall in the past years but I believe the stalls are more spread out this year.
“Certainly at the weekends there’s been plenty of people here.
“I did wonder when the new mask rules came out whether people will stop coming but it doesn’t seem that way.
“I guess being outdoors people feel more confident coming here than going into shops.
“The weather’s been rubbish – we’ve had a wet weekend and a snowy weekend so it’s been a bit challenging from that perspective.
“Roll on the snow I say – it would feel more like Christmas.”
Kyra Williams, 23, who works at the The Melt and Grill food stall, says that this year everyone is in the Christmas spirit.
“It’s actually been great – a lot of people have come out. We especially have seen returning customers as well,” she said.
“A lot of young people are coming out and showing their faces – everyone’s in the Christmas spirit.
“A lot of people come to chill and have a good time. It has been quite slow.
“There’s a bit more wearing of masks and being more careful – I don’t think there’s panic. People are still coming out.”