Newcastle's Christmas markets reined back this year due to coronavirus pandemic

Newcastle's city centre celebrations are set to be cut back this Christmas due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The travelling Christmas market stalls, rides, and bars that sprung up around Grey's Monument and Northumberland Street last year will not be back until 2021, as city bosses hope to avoid a resurgence of Covid-19 on Tyneside.

However, it is understood that some form of smaller street market with local traders is still possible - and that the beloved Fenwick's window display is expected to go ahead.

Nottingham-based Mellors Group took over the running of Newcastle's Christmas market last year, and made it the city's biggest ever by extending festive food stalls and fairground rides along the length of Blackett Street and Northumberland Street.

However, the market was criticised for bringing in more outside competition for local businesses and Grainger Market traders at a crucial time of the year and for cutting off bus routes through the city centre.

Mellors' plans for this year had included a huge two-storey bar that would have completely surrounded Grey's Monument, but that will not be happening now.

Newcastle City Council confirmed it had reached a mutual agreement with Mellors to cancel the main Christmas market for 2020 and for the company to resume it's five-year contract to run the city centre attractions from next year.

The council has pledged that the city centre will still have a festive feel this winter and said plans would be drawn up in the coming weeks to find "something appropriate" as an alternative to the huge markets.

It is understood that there will still be Christmas lights, Fenwick will have its traditional window display, and that the council is exploring if and how a smaller market involving local traders could operate safely with the necessary social distancing measures.

Councillor Ged Bell, the council's cabinet member for employment and culture, said: "Businesses across the city are experiencing an incredibly difficult time at the moment, but the council and our partners are standing closely by them and will support them in every way possible.

"We are also committed to help rebuild confidence and ensure the city thrives once again by harnessing the unique community spirit that exists here and creating a safe and welcoming environment.

"I very much look forward to seeing the plans for this year's Christmas experience take shape.

"Mellors did a great job last year and the festive atmosphere in the city was amazing. A lot of lessons have been learned and we look forward to working with them again for 2021 and beyond."

Mellors Group director Edward Mellors added: "Clearly, the pandemic has had a major impact on us all and we appreciate cities have been particularly badly affected.

"It is completely understandable that the council need to plan for a different Christmas this year, especially as the next few months may be very unpredictable. We will support them in any way we can.

"We look forward to returning in 2021 and making the Christmas markets better than ever for the city."