A Christmas market is going ahead in Sheffield this year – here's what is planned

The Fox Valley retail park in Stocksbridge is holding its annual festive market from December 4 to 6, as such events are permitted under Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions.

Organisers say there will be more than 60 local traders selling fresh produce, drinks, crafts, homewares, beauty products and more.

On December 4 from 10am to 4pm a seasonal edition of Fox Valley’s weekly Friday Market will take place with regular traders attending including Ryan’s Cheese, Old Bridge Bakery and Joseph Cliffe Fishmongers. There will also be new additions including Olde Lockys Fudge, Wax This Way and the Brownie Queen.

The monthly Farmers’ Market will return on December 5 from 9am to 4pm with stallholders such as Hawkins Distillery gin, Pippeta children’s clothing, Whinstones Barn Interiors, The Yorkshire Print Co and Supersize Sweets.

Then on December 6 from 10am to 4pm traders at the Christmas market will include The Little Box of Luxuries hampers, Rachel’s Books, Halo Sunshine Plant Pots, Veyou Vegan Chocolate and Foxy Crafts.

There will be live entertainment across the weekend with performances from Graham Lindley, saxophonist Andy Cahill, the Yorkshire Imperial Band and Georgie Harrison.

Stalls are going to be spaced out to allow for social distancing, hand sanitiser will be available and a one-way system is planned.

Major Christmas markets such as the traditional festivities in Sheffield city centre and at Chatsworth were pulled weeks ago. A report this week suggested the decision to cancel the Sheffield market on Fargate would cost the city’s economy £47 million.

The Tier 3 restrictions come into force on December 2 when the second national lockdown ends.

Jessica Horton, from the Fox Valley Markets team, said: “We are really excited to be able to host our annual Christmas Market weekend this year, giving our shoppers something festive to enjoy and our local businesses a chance to trade.

“We hope our shoppers will come down and support our fantastic local traders, you will be sure to find some amazing and unique Christmas gifts.”

Visit www.foxvalleysheffield.co.uk for details.

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