Mixed reviews for Christmas market's return

Leeds Christmas Market is expected to attract tens of thousands of people to the city centre over the coming weeks.

Previously spread across 13 different locations this year's event is concentrated in just two - City Square and Millennium Square.

But what do stallholders and shoppers think of the new layout?

"I like the change," said Sophie Webb, who was selling personalised Christmas decorations from a gingerbread house-shaped stand.

"You have got City Square and Millennium Square and a direct route between them.

"It's vital to be in the correct location so we can get the sales."

Dan Payne, who was selling marshmallows in a chilly Millennium Square, warmly welcomed the new approach.

"Everything's there on their doorstep rather than having to wonder where everything is or trying to find everywhere.

"Between here and City Square it's all nice and simple."

Mr Payne said it was "important to keep things fresh" to keep customers coming back, although not everyone was impressed.

However, not everyone is convinced.

"Sometimes it looks better to be spread about instead of all being together," said Brook Proctor, who runs a hot chocolate stall at the entrance to Millennium Square.

"Sometimes when it's all together I think it gets too cramped."

A long queue at one stand could block access to others, she added.

Harry Franks and his girlfriend, Sophie Turner, had made their way from Millennium Square down to City Square to check out what the market had to offer.

"We are a little bit disappointed," said Harry, 24.

"We were expecting a bit more variety."

The couple were on a day out to celebrate Sophie's birthday, but felt there was little cheer between the 80 or so stalls making up the market.

"We have seen about three crepe stalls," said Sophie.

"It's all the same stuff. I feel like York has a better market."

Grandmother Sweetie had come down for the first day of opening on Friday with her daughter and son-in-law.

Despite enjoying a Yorkshire pudding wrap, the market was "not that good", she said.

"It used to be better before, they used to have market stalls all around. It seems like rides have taken over."

While opinion among visitors was lukewarm, Leeds City Council deputy leader Jonathan Pryor said the event brought "millions into the city."

Last year the opening Saturday of the market brought the city centre's busiest day for footfall in five years, according to the council.

More than 5.5m visitors were counted in the four weeks the market was open.

The market is operated by Market Place, which runs similar events across the country, and the council does not pay to host it or profit from it.

Leeds previously had a German-themed Christkindelmarkt organised by Frankfurt City Council and run by European traders, which last took place in 2019.

However it was not revived after the Covid pandemic due to rising travel and work visa costs.

Pryor added: "If businesses are doing well in Leeds then as a whole city we are doing well."

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