The upcoming rail strikes are halting businesses across the country, as Nottingham Christmas Market merchants also prepare for the impact.
After being named one of the UK’s best Christmas markets according to ‘European Best Destinations’, Nottingham’s hugely popular festive market is anticipating a possible drop in visitor numbers and trade due to the national rail strikes alongside the icy weather.
With the market set to stay open in Old Market Square and over to Long Row until December 31, local businesses and Winter Wonderland workers are currently waiting to see how the lack of trains running will affect the city’s busyness.
Lucas Coughan, stallholder at The Cherry Tree Preserves, explained how he feels the numbers will remain steady this week, but possibly drop as more strikes occur.
He said: “If I had to guess, I think trade will be a bit slower this week thanks to strikes and the cold weather.
“But saying that, it is getting closer to Christmas so sometimes it can be harder to get people out and spending so close to the day.”
The city’s ‘Winter Wonderland’ event has a huge number of independent traders and food stalls set up as well as an ice rink and ice bar, across from the massively popular temporary chalet bar, ‘Sur La Piste’ with hundreds of seating and table available for families, couples and friends.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland is officially one of the UK’s Best Christmas Markets.🤩
It’s been named on the list by @ebdestinations, who say we’re the largest event in the East Midlands with lots of rides, bars & shopping, plus the New Sky Skate Ice Path.https://t.co/dDblT8hh43 pic.twitter.com/2NtbBnrn6E— 🏹 My Nottingham (@MyNottingham) December 12, 2022
Student and bar man at Sur La Piste, Felix Evans, said: “I think there actually might be quite a few of us university students who are struggling to get the train home and are stuck in the city with nothing to do.
“It’s pretty busy all the time and I don’t think the strikes will change that, even if we do get visitors from all over that come on the train.”
For more details on the industrial action and strikes that may affect you, visit www.nationalrail.co.uk
- The industrial rail strikes are set to take place from Tuesday, December 13 to Saturday, December 17 with the exclusion of Thursday December 15.
- Entry to Nottingham Christmas market is free and no ticket is required, but certain bars and activities do require booking in advance.
- The icy weather and rail strikes will possibly halt the visitor numbers and trade in Nottingham.
