A POPULAR fixture in the dale’s festive calendar is to go ahead this year with new arrangements in place as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 alert.
The outdoor Christmas market will take place in the grounds of The Bowes Museum on December 11, 12 and 13, with more than 60 local stallholders offering food, drinks and unique crafts.
Museum officials say that like many events across the UK, the fair will be different to what visitors have come to expect in recent years.
The biggest change is that those planning to pick up a festive present or two must pre-book their tickets for a timed entry to the market.
This will help organisers monitor numbers in the grounds and the museum and allow for adequate social distancing. A spokeswoman said: “To help ensure the safety of stall holders and visitors, the event is all outdoors this year, which will make social distancing easier and give good ventilation.
“Last year we had stalls both inside the galleries and outside the museum. There are some traders whose goods simply don’t work outdoors and some whose business circumstances have sadly changed. This is an opportunity for visitors to support small traders and help them thrive into next year.”
Other changes this year include a decision not to operate a park and ride service.
Instead, officials are encouraging people to follow government guidance and either walk or cycle to the event.
There will be some pre-bookable parking available in the museum car park which costs £5, or free for disabled visitors with a blue badge.
Popular attractions to complement the fair are also planned.
“We will have the miniature carousel that children enjoyed last year, which will be safely operated and regularly cleaned in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines,” added the spokeswoman.
“Hopefully, there will be some small groups of musicians who are able to play and sing for us this year too.”
There will be hand sanitising stations around the grounds along with signage reminding people to sanitise frequently and maintain their distance from others.
The spokeswoman added: “The museum has already achieved VisitBritain’s We’re Good To Go accreditation, which shows we’re going above and beyond to protect our staff, visitors and volunteers, and we are also working closely with traders to ensure they are operating to a high standard.
“All visitors and staff will be required to wear a face covering at all times too. Our team and St John Ambulance will also be there to help keep our visitors safe as always, and we look forward to seeing you at the event.”
Slots are available at 30-minute intervals from 10am on all three days. Admission is £5 for adults, £2.50 for children and the U5s go free.
Admission is also free for annual pass holders and members of the Friends of The Bowes Museum. For more details, go to www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk.
