Council leader wants your views on how to bring Christmas cheer to Sheffield

The leader Sheffield Council Julie Dore is looking for ideas on how the city can celebrate Christmas while still staying safe.

The Fargate market, Thor's Tipi bar and lights switch-on have all been cancelled this year but there may be other ways we can enjoy the festive season.

Coun Dore said: "We had to cancel the markets on Fargate and the lights switch-on as we couldn't control numbers and we can't risk an event that attracts crowds.

"But we are looking at enhancing the indoor markets because visitors are counted in and out of the Moor Market building so we can keep a safe number of people.

"The city centre is still illuminated with lights but people are shopping more locally so is there any way we can brighten up the district shopping centres?

"Can we help people to shop local online and encourage them to buy from Sheffield businesses?

"There has been a suggestion to have Christmas trees and lights in the major parks and if the lockdown rules are relaxed, I'm interested to know whether we could have set times in restaurants and cafes specifically for older people and vulnerable people to visit.

"Unfortunately because the restrictions change constantly, we need a Plan A, B and C and we are constantly brainstorming but we would like to hear any ideas."

Other cities are also looking at alternatives to the usual Christmas events.

Birmingham Stage Company is offering a drive-in panto, Edinburgh Christmas market is going digital and Bath is offering online shopping direct from its usual Christmas market traders.

South Tyneside is holding virtual carol singing and storytelling from its libraries while Wisbech in Cambridgeshire is having a children's treasure hunt with crackers in shop windows and prizes.

Suggestions for ideas for Sheffield should be sent via email to [email protected]

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