Scaled back Nottingham Christmas Market opens for festive season after being shut down last year

The Christmas Market has made a long-awaited return to Nottingham, whilst the public are being warned to follow Covid-19 guidelines.

The market is back after being cancelled on its first day last year when Nottingham was under strict Tier 3 Covid restrictions.

It features a 60ft Christmas tree in Old Market Square, a big wheel and a a pop-up ski bar.

There is also a giant observation wheel to give visitors panoramic views from a height of 33m.

The market offers a new Après Ski themed pop-up bar and a traditional carousel.

Traditional chalet style market stalls will be trading along Long Row and Smithy Row.

The attractions will remain in the city until New Year's Eve. 

A number of Covid protocols are in place this year to mitigate the risk of having to close down again like last year.

There are fewer stalls so people can spread out and remain socially distance, and there is no ice rink included in the festivities this year.

Festive events are also spreading to Trinity Square this year, where a specially-constructed Christmas Village.

Here visitors enter via a Christmas Tree-lined entrance leading to a winter-themed setting that features a number of igloo-style glass domes.The new-look event follows advice from public health and the Safety Advisory Group for Events which will see attractions spread out across the city rather than all being sited in Old Market Square.

Cllr Eunice Campbell Clark, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture, and Schools said: "In planning for this event, we have been mindful of the issues at last year’s event.

"We acknowledge it’s important to maintain a balance of keeping people safe and urging caution but also allowing people to enjoy the seasonal festivities.

"Our event plans for Christmas 2021 allows for any amendments or adjustments that may be needed due to Government advice or legislation."

Event organisers, Mellors Group, said they are "pleased to be bringing a Christmas experience to the heart of Nottingham once again".

A spokesperson said: "While we are of course disappointed not be able to bring the entire Winter Wonderland experience to Nottingham this year, the reduced-scale and dispersed offer of events and attraction across the city centre will still ensure that Nottingham remains one of the best seasonal destinations for visitors this Christmas."