Bath’s tourism leaders gather in The Holburne Museum for the opening of the Bath Christmas Market

Published on : Friday, November 29, 2013

A festive drinks reception for Bath’s tourism leaders will take place at The Holburne Museum on the evening of 28th November, as they mark the start of the Christmas season in style. Representatives from Bath Tourism Plus (BTP), B&NES and tourism led businesses in the city will gather at the museum prior to the grand lantern procession which officially launches the opening of the Bath Christmas Market.
Starting at 5pm, the Holburne Lantern Procession, in association with Bath Christmas Market will light up the streets with its distinctly carnival atmosphere. Artists, schoolchildren and community groups will carry lanterns inspired by the seasonal theme of ‘Feast’ and follow the route towards the Christmas Markets. With samba and bhangra music accompanying participants, onlookers will be treated to music and dancing as they are encouraged to enjoy the Christmas Market and the festivities in the city.
Speaking at the official opening of the Christmas Market, Chairman of Bath Tourism Plus, Matt Davis said: “This year’s Christmas Market is bigger and better than ever, with over 150 stalls and many new retailers. Over 70% of our stall holders come from the South West and over 90% of goods are British made. No wonder that Bath Christmas Market has been recognised as one of the best in Europe. And the impact on the city is significant – visitors will spend over £18million over the 18 days, with the largest proportion going into the city’s shops, restaurants and accommodation. This is a really good news story for the local economy.”
Councillor David Dixon, Deputy Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, added: “The Christmas Market is one of the events that puts Bath truly on the global map as the best place possible for people to visit for their festive shopping. The event has a really positive effect on trade in the city and has become one of our annual traditions.”
Dr Xa Sturgis, Director of the Holburne Museum remarked: The Holburne’s Lantern Procession has never been so ambitious or extravagant. The Museum has been awash with willow and tissue paper over the last month while across the city in schools, colleges, artists’ studios and community groups countless people have been making extraordinary and wonderful creations from glowing pigs to articulated lobsters. The procession has grown into one of the city’s great annual participatory events marking, in a fittingly celebratory fashion, the opening of the Christmas Market.
Having received accreditation as a quality assured visitor attraction in 2012 from national tourism board VisitEngland, the opening night of the Christmas Markets is as popular now as it has ever been. For the second year running, the Holburne Lantern Procession now coincides with the launch of the opening of the Bath Christmas Market marking the whole occasion as an extra special day to visit Bath.