Why some Sheffield Christmas Market traders are warning ‘business is down’ this year

The markets, which have been open in the city centre since November 14, have had to contend with severe conditions.

Sheffield was hit by torrential downpours and severe flooding earlier this month, forcing events to be cancelled and roads to be closed.

Stallholders said they expected a boost in business during Sunday’s switch-on of the Christmas lights but some, like Tracey Eskritt of Artisan Jewellery, said this was not the case.

She said: “What is most surprising is, as much as there are thousands of people about, they don’t seem to be stopping. They just walk on by.

“That kind of weather is bound to affect business – I’d be the same, I’d have my umbrella up and I’d be getting home as quickly as I could. It’s not put me off, I’ll definitely be back next year.”

Another yellow weather warning of rain has been issued by the Met Office for Saturday so it could be another wet weekend in Sheffield.

David Mitchell of Sadhanha Spirit, said: “Sunday was busy by footfall but not by trade, and generally Thursday, Friday, and Saturday suffered due to the weather. It picked up with it being dry. You just can’t tell.”