News

We know many are keen to find out if the much-loved Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market will be going ahead this year.

Health and safety continues to be our highest concern, and we’ve needed more time than normal to meticulously develop plans, amid ongoing changes to the COVID-19 situation.

We’ve been working tirelessly, along with our partners at Winchester City Council and the BID, to redesign the Christmas Market and put in place all possible measures to keep everyone safe, while bringing festive cheer to the City of Winchester.

The COVID-19 situation is ever-changing, and we are checking and developing plans, with the guidance of Public Health England and Winchester City Council’s Safety Advisory Group. It’s essential we make sure all possible risks are addressed and whether there is anything more we can do, to further ensure safety as we move forward.

The Christmas Market helps over 30 charities, 120 small independent retailers, suppliers, local businesses and the cathedral to generate much needed income. While many are depending on the Christmas Market to support their livelihoods, of equal importance is our hope to provide a source of enjoyment for Winchester and its residents during the festive period, at the end of what has been an extremely difficult year for many.

Winchester is one of the most festive cities in Europe and we continue to explore options to ensure that we bring Christmas cheer, to everyone, in new and creative ways.

We hope to provide more updates in the coming days.