Town's Christmas market to mark 30th anniversary

A Christmas market, which is said to be the largest of its kind in the UK, celebrates its 30th anniversary on Sunday 13 December.

The Beverley Festival of Christmas attracts visitors from all over the UK.

Organised by East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC), it will feature a parade and more than 120 stalls, which will be spread across the town.

Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: "We look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the UK and are confident that the event will provide a welcome boost to local visitor economy at such a wonderful time of the year."

The parade will start at 10:00 GMT and will see Santa and his reindeers travelling through Wednesday Market, Toll Gavel and finishing in Saturday Market.

A free park and ride will also take people from Beverley Racecourse into the town centre, and will run from 09:00 to 17:00.

ERYC said it was the largest one-day yuletide event in the UK.

Rick Bailey, executive chairman at Thwaites, which sponsors the event, said: "This festival celebrates the best of Beverley and highlights this spectacular corner of the country, and we're really proud to be part of that."

Adam Toes, from tourism body Visit East Yorkshire, said: "The Christmas Market is one of the most important dates in Beverley town centre's calendar.

"For local businesses and independent shops, it's classed by many as one of their busiest trading days of the year."

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