Sheffield Christmas Market set to go ahead as others are axed over Covid fears

Bosses are pressing ahead with plans for this year’s festive extravaganza which is set to get under way in the city centre on November 12.

It comes as similar markets in Leeds, Birmingham and Bath have been shelved in recent days.

However, organisers have said they will continue to monitor Government guidelines and that the layout of the market will be altered to allow for social distancing.

The annual event has become a staple in Sheffield’s Christmas calendar, with visitors coming from across the region to enjoy a wide variety of food and gift stalls in Fargate and the Peace Gardens.

Spokesman Julie Wilson said: “We are planning to go ahead with the Christmas market.

"Obviously continuing to monitor government guidelines and we will be changing the footprint to help with social distancing.”

Stalls are planned to be open from 10am to 6pm Sunday to Thursday and 10am Friday and Saturday until Christmas Eve.

Planned attractions at this year’s event include a Santa’s Grotto, big wheel, Alpine Bar and traditional German sausage grill.

Earlier today, Leeds’ German Christmas Market was axed over Covid-19 fears while Birmingham’s annual Christmas market has also been cancelled because of the pandemic.

Festive markets in Stratford upon Avon and Bath have also been shelved while plans for Manchester’s Christmas market are said to be hanging in the balance.

It comes after an announcement earlier this week when Prime Minister Boris Johnson banned gatherings of more than six indoors and outdoors in a bid to prevent a resurgence of the virus.