Santa Claus is coming to town

Just over two weeks ago the Christmas market and ice rink opened in the city centre and it’s been busy and some traders are saying the best so far!

This is great news, given the year we’ve had and the need to encourage and welcome visitors.

As the big day is now just over a week away, the market and the rink will be even busier especially when the schools break up for the festive holiday. At weekends and peak times the rink sessions are starting to sell out fast and there’s still the magical Skate with Santa sessions to come – so to avoid disappointment don’t forget to pre-book your space on line for the Skate with Santa sessions, which run from 22 December to Christmas Eve. All children will not only get to see Father Christmas as he makes a special visit to Salisbury on his sleigh but will receive a gift from him. And, for the more mature, there’s still time to dig out the legwarmers to enjoy a night of nostalgia at Back to the 1980s night with DJ Dion on Wednesday 19 December. Book online at www.salisburychristmasmarket.co.uk.

The public response to Christmas in Salisbury has been positive. It’s been wonderful to see so many people returning to our beautiful city to enjoy it this festive season. I’m in the city a lot and it’s been heartening to hear people saying how lovely Salisbury is looking and how good it is to see it back to normal. The live entertainment at the market has been uplifting and has generated a wonderful community spirit that is so good to see and so representative of the stoicism that has been apparent throughout this year.

It was, therefore, disappointing there was some anti-social behaviour at the ice rink during the first few days. These incidents are in the hands of the police. As the event organisers, we responded immediately and made some operational changes to ensure that everyone that visits has an enjoyable and safe experience. Our message and the actions we’ve taken are clear – we won’t tolerate any anti-social behaviour.

There’s so much on offer this Christmas across the city and so much work has gone in to putting together a wonderful festive programme of events and live music – from the magic of the Lantern Parade and the nutcracker trail to the beauty of the From Darkness to Light illuminations at Salisbury Cathedral.

Many people have, and continue, to work hard to make this Christmas a great one in Salisbury.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas…

Just a week ago the Christmas market and ice rink opened with a wonderful festive performance on the ice from 11-year-old local skater Amelia Morris.

It was great to be involved in the launch of this big event for the city and while we all realise that the market and ice rink will be judged on the number of visitors and their experiences through to 6 January, the initial signs of their popularity are extremely positive.

Many traders reported that the opening weekend was the best they’d ever had in the six years of the market taking place. Blacks Cheese sold three-quarters of a ton of cheese – wow, that’s a lot of cheese!  And, on Saturday and Sunday, Downton Distillery sold out both days – a great success for this new company. The wafts of mulled wine and fragrant cinnamon and orange reminds us just how special this time of year really is.

The city centre car parks were full too - don’t forget the free park and ride Monday-Saturday for a stress-free shop - and we have seen lots of coaches visit the market, dropping off their Christmas shoppers at Blue Boar Row.

We’re pleased with the first few days, but we’re not complacent. We know how vital the Christmas trading period is to the city and to all its businesses. The programme of events and live music has been designed to offer something for everyone. From live music, to the exciting Lantern Parade, the nutcracker trail and of course this year’s added attraction – the ice rink.

While there has been a few initial teething problems at the rink, we are on the case and have ensured additional resource and security is in place for the busiest times.

I am aware that the pre-book tickets are selling well and several sessions are now fully booked. There are a number of themed events coming up and I would highly recommend booking up quickly if you want to experience the ice rink this festive season. You can book online 

The themed events are:

• Skate with Santa (Saturday 22, Sunday 23, Monday 24 December) – with all children receiving a gift from Santa as he makes a special visit on his sleigh to Salisbury
• 1980s DJ Night (over 18s only) (Wednesday 19 December) – enjoy 80s music on the ice, plus a beer and a bratwurst are included in the price of the ticket
• Christmas Party Night (over 18s only) (Wednesday 12 December) – skate the evening away to top tunes, plus a beer and a bratwurst are included in the price of the ticket
• Wear your Christmas Jumper Day (Friday 14 December) – don your favourite festive sweater and get skating.