Coach drivers and operators are being reminded that it is essential to book their parking space for York St Nicholas Fair Christmas Market ahead of the event, which for the first time runs for over 3 weeks from Thursday 27 November to Sunday 21 December.
Pre-booking is available from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 November, and then each Saturday and Sunday for the remainder of the Fair. This year there is a choice of parking at Union Terrace, St Georges Field and Moor Lane (formerly Askham Bar Park&Ride) car parks. The drop off point for passengers will be Clifford’s Tower, except for the first weekend when, due to anticipated numbers, it is located at Castle Car Park. Drivers parking at Moor Lane Car Park (the old Askham Bar Park&Ride site) will be able to catch a Park&Ride Bus into the city centre.
Coach drivers taking advantage of the pre-booking service, together with their passengers, will receive an efficient and friendly welcome by stewards who can provide local information and assistance. The Fair, which opens from 9am to 6pm in Parliament Street (8pm Thursdays), offers a wide array of quality gifts, including jewellery, ceramics, clothing, seasonal food and drink, herbs and oils and Christmas decorations. Stall holders will be in pretty wooden huts and dressed in Dickensian costume to add to the Christmassy atmosphere.
Cllr Sonja Crisp, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “York St Nicholas Fair Christmas Market has become firm favourite on the Christmas shopping calendar and due to its growing popularity and feedback from coach operators and visitors, we’ve extended it to over 3 weeks. Coach drivers do a fantastic job bringing tourists to the city throughout the year and we’re asking them to pre-book parking as soon as possible. This will assist with traffic planning and help to ensure that the event is a hugely enjoyable experience for everyone.”
Bookings and payments can now be made on www.eventbrite.co.uk. Coach parking is limited and bookings are taken on a first come first served basis. For further information visit www.york.gov.uk/markets or email stnicscoaches@york.gov.uk
St Nicholas Fair will run alongside the newly refurbished Shambles Market, situated between Parliament Street and the Shambles.
