Plans underway for Worksop Christmas market this year – with just a few differences

Retford and Worksop Business Forums, in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council and North Notts BID, have agreed to continue planning for this year’s Christmas markets in both towns.

Worksop’s event is due to take place on Saturday, November 28, and Retford’s will be held on Sunday, November 29.

Measures will be put in place to control crowds, including restricting the amount of stalls – and there will be no special lights switch-on event or stage performances.

Rick Brand, chairman of the Retford Business Forum, said: “The safety of the stallholders, members of the public, volunteers and organisers will be paramount as the date approaches and if at any time it is deemed to be no longer safe, or if such events are subject to restriction, the events will be cancelled, possibly at short notice."

Safe layouts for the markets will be constructed and it is hoped that bookings for stalls will commence later in September.

There will be slightly fewer stalls than last year and a system of rationing may be used.

Rick added: “Further updates will be provided in the coming months and the teams will be working hard to provide the best Christmas markets possible to start the countdown to Christmas in our towns this year.

"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.

"The Christmas trees will be installed and the Christmas lights will be switched on as usual, but there will be no special switch-on events.

"A decision has been taken now so that all of the schools and volunteers who normally take part in this event are able to reschedule their activities in good time.

"We are very grateful to everyone who has supported the switch-on events in the past and we look forward to welcoming them all back in 2021.”