Nottingham’s Christmas market packed with shoppers despite Tier 3 restrictions

Hundreds descended to the city centre on the first day of the Christmas market.

The city centre was packed on December 5 at lunchtime following more shoppers to head into the Old Market Square as the sun went down.

With Nottinghamshire being placed into tier 3 restrictions after the second national lockdown, many people assumed that the market would be cancelled this year just like Goose Fair.

People had to queue to enter the central market. (Image: Olimpia Zagnat)

However, Nottingham City Council confirmed that the Christmas Market is going ahead – but in a covid secure way.

This was good news for local business owners who secured a stall at the event.

Debra Hanes, 55, said Nottingham’s Christmas Market would help small businesses to survive during pandemic.

Local businesses were present at the stalls. (Credit: Olimpia Zagnat)

Owner of Gifts for the Soul in Lincolnshire, Debra added: “With all the events being cancelled this year, having the market helps us to maintain our businesses alive.

“As well as the business owners, people in Nottingham needed this joy.”

Tier 3 restrictions on large scale events and hospitality mean that the popular Sur La Piste, Altitude bars, ice bar and outdoor ice skating rink are not able to be staged this year.

Also, no alcohol is being sold at the Christmas Market this year.

Visitors enjoyed the festive stalls and decorations installed in the city centre including a Christmas tree and an observation wheel.

The food stalls were the most popular. (Credit: Olimpia Zagnat)

Internship student Pauline Francois, 23, said she preferred to look at the decorations from outside the crowd.

She added: “It looks great, very festive.

The Christmas Market looks ‘spectacular’ in the evening. (Credit: Olimpia Zagnat)

“I didn’t queue to get in though – it’s not very covid friendly.”

Pauline said she will be spending her last day of placement in the city centre before leaving back to France.

Pauline (left) and Lorraine (right) visited the Christmas market. (Image: Olimpia Zagnat)

She and her friend Lorraine said they have mixed feelings about the event being held.

Lorraine Latrobe, 23, of West Bridgeford added: “There is a big turnout, and I think that the decision of reopening shops as well encouraged people to get out of the house.”

Some of the measures taken by the council include limiting capacity if required, enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures, and free hand sanitiser.

Hand sanitiser was put in place. (Image: Olimpia Zagnat)

The market has been extended to Long Row and Smithy Row this year to maintain social distancing.

To visit the stalls in the Old Market Square, however, shoppers were seen standing in long queues to enter the central market.

Long queues outside the central market. (Image: Olimpia Zagnat)

Chief Superintendent Rob Griffin, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “With people coming back into the city centre after lockdown, we are stepping up our policing as we always do at this time of year to provide reassurance and maintain an enjoyable atmosphere.

Police officers were present at the market. (Credit: Olimpia Zagnat)

“We have all had a tough year and we want people to come and enjoy some festive cheer in the knowledge that we are here to keep people safe.

“We will have a range of different specialisms including armed foot patrols, neighbourhood, response and proactive officers working hard in plain sight and in the background.

“We will also be working alongside partners including Nottingham City Council and the Mellors Group, who are running this year’s Christmas market, on security measures.

By Olimpia Zagnat

Feature image: Olimpia Zagnat.

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