Stratford’s Christmas market will take over only three streets for 2024
FEWER town centre roads will be closed to traffic during this year’s Christmas market in Stratford as organisers look to reduce the event’s impact on residents and businesses.
It was confirmed today (Monday) that the market will take place over two weekends – 7th-8th December and 14th-15th December.
Organisers LSD Promotions, which works with Stratford District Council and Stratford Town Council, said changes had been made following the negative feedback about the 2023 event, which saw parts of town brought to a standstill and huge queues to get into – and out of – car parks. There were also health and safety concerns as an estimated 200,000 people visited Stratford over the four days of the market in December and claims of overcrowding.
Plans to change the event were original put forward in February and, after agreement of all parties involved, have now been confirmed.
This includes a new layout for the market with stalls in just three streets: Bridge Street, Waterside and Henley Street. Last year, Union Street, High Street, Wood Street
and Meer Street were included.
The changes would keep the Bridge Street/Wood Street roundabout open to traffic, with the aim of taking some of the pressure away from other key routes.
In a statement LSD Promotions said: “The smaller footprint will allow for Wood Street, Union Street, High Street, and the Bridge Street roundabout to remain open, aiming to maintain a better flow of traffic and reduce congestion compared to previous years, allowing both residents and businesses to navigate the town.”
While there will be about 200 stalls, the 2024 event will not include a main stage or funfair - entertainers will be involved but will roam the market.
The event has grown to be one of the largest in the country. Last year’s market saw a surge in visitor numbers as the popular Lincoln Christmas Market was cancelled. Lincoln decided to change its plans after its 40th anniversary Christmas market drew 320,000 people in 2022 and opted for smaller events during 2023.
Lincoln also rejected calls to bring a market back for 2024.
Previously, the Herald was told Stratford’s Christmas market would be set up on the Fridays, after 6pm, to avoid interrupting business traffic, although this has yet to be confirmed.
