City prepares for festive market bonanza

More than 40 traders will be offering fare when the event gets under way in Fargate on November 16.

Aziz Afkir, organiser of the Moroccan market, said: “We have visited Sheffield before but
this will be our first time at Christmas.

“The local people are always fantastic and really want to immerse and engage themselves in Moroccan culture, so this year we are particularly excited about being a part of Sheffield’s Christmas culture.”

The event will open before
the Christmas lights switch-on, which takes place on November 18.

The two markets will offer a selection of hand-made crafts including ceramics, jewellery
and carvings, together with a mixture of international foods including fresh gingerbreads, cakes, confectionery and specialist meats.

There will also be a bar in the heart of the market, while young people will also be able to meet Santa in his grotto, visit a winter wonderland in the Peace Gardens and an enchanted forest in the Winter Garden.

Coun Isobel Bowler, Cabinet member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, said late-night shopping in the city centre would be available every Wednesday from November 21.

She added: “People can also enjoy the variety of Christmas activities planned throughout the city, get into the festive spirit, and fall in love with Christmas all over again.”

Meanwhile, the annual Christkindelmarkt event in Millennium Square, Leeds, will get under way on Friday next week.

New attractions include a Bavarian mountain-themed eatery and a winter plants stall, while the market’s fairground is being expanded and moved to nearby Cookridge Street.

The city’s Christmas lights will be switched on on Thursday next week.