Christmas 2021 is looking far more like the Christmas we’re all accustomed to as the festive season begins with Durham Christmas Festival 2021.
Following a virtual festival in 2020, the organisers are delighted that the festival will return to the city centre for three days in December, from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th.
To thrill Christmas shoppers, Durham Christmas Festival will feature four markets: the Craft & Gift Marquee* on Palace Green, the Regional Producers’ Market in the Cloisters of Durham Cathedral**, a Festive Outdoor Market in Durham Market Place, and Durham Market Hall which will be open on all three days (and every day in December up to Christmas).
In total, there will be over 200 independent businesses between the four markets, offering gifts, handcrafted homewares, art, Christmas decorations, festive food and much more. Once again, Durham Christmas Festival organisers are inviting carers to visit the Craft & Gift Marquee free of charge on Friday 3rd when visiting with the person(s) they care for. Organisers are asking that, where possible, people purchase discounted entry to the Craft & Gift Marquee in advance, via the festival website, www.durhamchristmasfestival.com .
The Craft & Gift Marquee* on Palace Green will be home to 100 small businesses, selected to give shoppers great choice, and the Regional Producers’ Market** in the stunning Cloisters of Durham Cathedral will house 24 specialist food and drink producers.
As well as the markets, the city will be filled with the sounds of the festive season with buskers and performers throughout, including Durham University college choirs in a carolling competition on Saturday 4th on Palace Green. Festival favourite, Carols for All, also returns to Durham Cathedral, on both the Saturday and Sunday.
Colin Wilkes MBE, Managing Director of Durham Markets Company which organises Durham Christmas Festival together with Durham University, commented: “We’re really pleased that the festival is back this Christmas. Retailers and city centre venues have had a very tough 18 months; Durham Christmas Festival has always been the busiest retail weekend of the year in Durham, and we certainly hope, with the measures we’ve put in place, that shoppers will come out and make the most of the festival, support these small independent businesses, and of course, tick numerous items off their Christmas shopping list.”
Visitors to the festival are encouraged to enjoy the event safely by adhering to the visitor guidelines, which are available to view on the website and on festival leaflets.
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