The Cheltenham Christmas Market returns for the season. It will be running from the 8th to 23rd of December and set to bring some joy to the high streets.
Unfortunately, the Ice Rink will not be part of the festival after Cheltenham BID announced on their website that rising event costs due to inflation and the ongoing impact of Covid-19 were the reasons for its disappearance.
The markets in the Promenade, the Christmas tree at the Montpellier roundabout and the lights around the town centre are helping Cheltenham getting into the Christmas spirit. Here are some pictures of the lights in action and the markets ready to sell.
Early in the morning, the stalls are set up to welcome the visitors in an attempt to sell their goods to them. Products range from tweed clothing and homemade honey.
Tony Herbert runs the Bratwurst stall, where he and his wife make German Sausages for visitors to eat. "We do traditional bratwursts, krakauers and kaserkrainers" Tony says as he prepares one of the bratwursts for one of the customers waiting. "We've been trading for ten years and it's always a joy making bratwursts for this town".
The Minotaur and Hare bravely cope with the freezing weather by sitting together to keep warm. This statue, created by Sophie Ryder, has been in the Promenade since 1998.
Out of the many stalls selling something different, this one sells original vintage comic books hung as art. Millie Worthington, who owns the stall says "I haven't had a chance yet but I'm excited to get into the Christmas spirit and being part of the market".
In Montpellier, Charles Clinkard's deocrations include hand-drawn illustrations to spread festivity. Here's one of Santa ho ho hoeing his garden.
Hatchard's opened in September and have made a great presence this Christmas. Their window decorations feature a small Christmas tree with books recommended by the store surrounding it.
Rudolph's red nose shines bright in the Regent Arcade. The shopping centre must've been clever bringing him inside despite his size. Along the side, hanging yellow decorations shine down to bring joy.
Near the Cavendish House, Christmas trees surround the entrance with their diamond-like lights shining like a guard of honour. Cavendish House are also offering some of the best Christmas gifts inside, including jewellery, toys, clothes and many more.
As the sky turns into night, the High Street's lights begin to shine. A few market stalls trade in search for hungry shoppers, with trees and lamp-posts decorated with stars and wires.
A close-up of one of the trees in yellow lights. Ben Homer, one of the traders was amazed by them. "They're amazing" he exclaims, "I love the trees, how they flow naturally through the landscape".
Reindeers and large stars shine in the dark to bring cheer to the High Street. Walk through the street and you may find yourself humming the tune to 'Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer' while looking for a book to buy for someone.
The Promenade's Christmas lights are the most prettiest. Angelic golden spheres surrounded by circular snowflakes like a solar system shine above the market.
Some restaurants and stores on the left with the lights on the right. Perfect for nights out. "I like the gold discs" Deborah James says with shopping bags in her hands, "they're really subtle and I like subtle".
The Ice-Rink may not make an appearance at this year's market but the lights do not disappoint. These lights hanging from the trees makes the street gives the luxurious side something to be proud about.
The Municipal Offices are the home of Cheltenham Borough Council and Cheltenham BID. They were responsible for making this year's Christmas Market. It's a delight seeing them decorating the building in team for the festive season.
At Montpellier, trees are decorated with lights and the Courtyard have placed garlands from the outside to welcome customers wandering for some independent stores, something away from the big chains.
Inside the Courtyard and they never disappoint! Everything is decked, including the bars, the top of the building, garlands across the place and a huge Christmas tree in the middle.
A true spectacle. The Christmas tree in the middle of the roundabout. Despite a lot of traffic, there's always this for people waiting in traffic to stare at in happiness.
A banner in the town square wishing Cheltenham a Merry Christmas. Who knows what 2023 will bring to the Cotswolds town! More horse racing, more festivals, more football and everything else.
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