Could you be a Market Maker?

The team behind the successful Harrogate Christmas Market is seeking more volunteers as it prepares for the fifth annual event.

The Market Makers – a group of 40 volunteers drawn from local organisations, businesses and the wider community – are looking to boost their numbers for the four-day, not-for-profit Christmas Market, from Thursday, November 17 to Sunday, November 20.

While professional contractors look after technical aspects of the organisation, such as security, waste disposal and electrics, the Market Makers have a role to play in making it a fun, friendly and welcoming event.

Alex Morrow, who leads the team of volunteers, said: “Our Market Makers spend their time looking after traders by watching the stalls while they re-stock or have a quick break.

“They also give directions to visitors and generally help to make Harrogate Christmas Market a friendly, welcoming place. We simply couldn’t run the event without them.”

Among the volunteers who support Harrogate Christmas Market are members of both Harrogate Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Harrogate. Local residents also give up their time to help, while several businesses send staff along as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).

“We are particularly keen to hear from community organisations and businesses who might want to give us some of their time,” added Alex.

“As a not-for-profit event, we aim to bring visitors in to Harrogate at a vital time of year for local businesses. Any surplus made is given to other events and organisations with the same aim, so by volunteering with us, people are helping to support the local economy and make Harrogate a vibrant, exciting place to live and work.”

Anyone interested in volunteering as a Market Maker should email [email protected].

The four-day event will have its ever-popular mix of home-made and hand-crafted goods not usually available on the high street, along with Yorkshire-produced food and drink, live music from local 'buskers', children's funfair rides and Santa in his grotto with real reindeer outside.

Visit www.harrogatechristmasmarket.org for full details of this year's Harrogate Christmas Market.

Weblink: www.HarrogateChristmasMarket.org

E-mail: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarrogateChristmasMarket

Twitter: www.twitter.com/HGChristmasMkt