More than four months before Harrogate Christmas Market opens, organisers are already predicting another record-breaking year.

More than two-thirds of the 200 places available for traders have already been booked, putting the 2015 Christmas Market ahead of its previous record set in 2014.

Brian Dunsby, who leads the organising team with his wife Beryl, said: "Many people are surprised when they learn that the first Harrogate Christmas Market took place in 2012 and this will be our fourth event.

"It has already become a firm fixture in the calendar for many traders and visitors, and the incredible response we had when we opened bookings this year shows just how keen people are to take part."

The success of the first three years has now been recognised by Welcome to Yorkshire, which has shortlisted Harrogate Christmas Market for the Best Tourism Event category of its White Rose Awards, to be given out this autumn. Earlier this year, Harrogate Christmas Market won the Tourism Award at the Harrogate Advertiser Business Awards.

Thanks to its growing popularity, the organisers are able to be more selective about the traders who take part, and are once again focusing on Yorkshire businesses offering products, including hand-made, home-made and fairly traded items – not imported mass-produced goods.

Brian added: "There are many Christmas markets around the UK and Europe, but our focus on regional products and high quality items helps us to stand out from the crowd.

"As well as our many local and regional traders who do so well at the market, we bring thousands of people into Harrogate town centre to use shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels and other services. It is a vital time of year for many of our local businesses and we do all we can to encourage our visitors to spend their money in the local area.

"On top of that, Harrogate Christmas Market is organised by volunteers on a not-for-profit basis, which is very unusual for this type of event. We have raised money for a number of local organisations and events that help to boost tourism in Harrogate, especially the Harrogate at Christmas lights, major festivals and award schemes.

"Our small team has worked hard to create an event which Harrogate people can be very proud of, and which they can enjoy alongside the visitors. The support we have received from local businesses and residents has made all the hard work worthwhile."

Anyone who is hoping to take a stall at Harrogate Christmas Market should act quickly to avoid disappointment. Click here for more information about booking a place.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Harrogate Christmas Market first took place in 2012, run on a not-for-profit basis with any surplus being donated to local good causes supporting the local economy and tourism industry. 

The Market will be held around St Mary’s Walk North at the bottom of Montpellier Hill, HG1 2RZ from Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, November 22, opening daily at 10am and closing at 8pm (5pm on Sunday).