Northern Ireland

Belfast Christmas Market will not take place this year amid coronavirus pandemic

Belfast Christmas Market will not take place this years. Picture by Hugh Russell
Belfast Christmas Market will not take place this years. Picture by Hugh Russell Belfast Christmas Market will not take place this years. Picture by Hugh Russell

THE popular Belfast Christmas Market will not take place this year, organisers confirmed today.

For the first time in 15 years, the month-long event which attracts thousands of people to the grounds of Belfast City Hall has been cancelled "in the interests of public health and safety".

Amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic, there had been doubts about whether the event could take place in 2020 due to social distancing issues at the market and travel restrictions on many of the stall holders.

And today organisers said it could not go ahead this year.

In a statement, the organisers of the Belfast Christmas Market said: "Unfortunately despite everyone's best efforts, in the interests of public health and safety it has been decided that it will not be appropriate to go ahead with the Belfast Christmas Market this year.

"Obviously we are very disappointed, this will be the first time in 15 years that Market Place has not had a presence in the city, however given the current health crisis we do believe this is the correct decision.

"Wishing you all well and thanking you for your continued support.

"We hope you have an amazing Christmas and hopefully we will see you next year."

Thousands of people attend every year. Picture by Cliff Donaldson
Thousands of people attend every year. Picture by Cliff Donaldson Thousands of people attend every year. Picture by Cliff Donaldson