Sheffield’s Christmas markets are returning for the festive period tomorrow, 16th November, offering festive treats and gifts for everyone to enjoy from iconic Alpine-style lodge huts.
However, this year there will be no official Christmaslight switch on, which has left many residents disappointed.
Sheffield City Council have said the decision to cancel this year’s light switch on was due to a number of factors, but primarily came down to safety concerns with the ongoing transformative works on Fargate limiting the space for crowds to gather in the city centre.
In past years, crowds of anywhere between 35,000 – 40,000 have gathered to celebrate what usually marks the start of the holidays in Sheffield, but this year the council say there simply isn’t space for everyone.
Instead of the much-anticipated light switch on, there will be an extra special weekend of festivities planned on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November.
Sheffield’s Festive Weekend will see street entertainment including brass bands, choirs, street dance artists and an outdoor cinema screen showing Christmas films, as well as the markets and bars.
Deputy Chair of Sheffield City Council’s Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee, Cllr Minesh Parekh said: “Sheffield is the place to be at Christmas time, with so much to enjoy.
“Big changes to Sheffield’s city centre, including transforming Fargate and Pinstone street, have led us to explore new opportunities to ensure our Christmas celebrations will be better than ever.
“We’re excited to showcase our changing city centre throughout the Christmas period, and to be hosting this new, whole-weekend event.”
Despite no official light switch on taking place, Sheffield City Centre will still be adorned with the bright lights and bustling markets, providing plenty of festive activities for all ages.
For the latest updates regarding the work going on in Fargate, you can visit https://sheffnews.com/news/committee-agrees-next-steps-for-fargate-regeneration