Worksop Christmas Market axed because of lockdown

Plans for a Worksop Christmas Market have been scrapped for this year due to the latest coronavirus lockdown.
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The cancellation was confirmed in a joint statement by Retford and Worksop Business Forums, Bassetlaw Council, and North Notts Business Improvement District, who said they had ‘regrettably had to agree’ to cancel this year’s Christmas Markets.

The Worksop market was due to be held on Saturday November 28. with a similar event in Retford, the following evening.

Worksop Christmas lights switched on.
Bridge Street lit up.Worksop Christmas lights switched on.
Bridge Street lit up.
Worksop Christmas lights switched on. Bridge Street lit up.

But the planned national lockdown between November 5 and December 2 would prevent them taking place, said organisers.

The joint statement said: “Uncertainty about the restrictions that may apply after the lockdown period makes planning for the events impossible. It would also not be possible for stallholders to rely on any guidelines until much closer to the time, and this in itself may reduce their ability to provide an attractive Christmas Market offer.

"The safety of the stallholders, members of the public, volunteers and organisers is always a paramount concern for the organisers.”

They added that the town centre Christmas trees and Christmas lights would be in place by the end of November and said it was hoped that, once the lockdown is over, people will be able to once again support their local town centre retail, hospitality and leisure outlets, subject to whatever restrictions are in place at the time.

They added: “Unfortunately, because of the potential virus infection risks associated with exceptionally large clusters of people in limited spaces, it will not be possible to hold the usual stage performances and lights switch-on ceremonies this year.

“Many town centre companies will still operate through click and collect, takeaways and online shopping with home delivery. Essential retailing will continue during the lockdown. Updates will be provided at https://www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/. Please support your local shops, leisure and hospitality outlets whenever possible, so that they can still be here in 2021."

Rick Brand, chairman of Retford Business Forum added: "The Forums are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the Christmas Markets and Switch-on events in the past.”

Organiser say that they look forward to welcoming the public back to such Christmas events in 2021.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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