Today the Christmas festivities will return to Leeds for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak.
Several months ago, the council announced that there would be no German Christmas market this year, due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. Despite this, Leeds will still be celebrating in various ways across the city centre.
As part of the Leeds Christmas Winter Wonderland, an ice rink is launching in Millennium Square today, which will be open weekdays from 12 pm- 9 pm. There is also a carousel and big wheel, bringing the front of Leeds Art gallery to life.
Jennifer, a team member on a stall outside Leeds Art gallery, said “Bit cold but happy to do it. COVID meant we weren’t able to do all this, and now we’ve finally been able to come back out. I think the turnout is definitely better than we expected”.
A sales existent at Fudge Sensations in Millennium Square appeared optimistic about the events, “We’re really excited to be getting back to what we do. It’s a good event we’ve put on. As you can see we’ve got the ice-skating rink, the Christmas tree bar, the igloo bar and we’ve got stalls, all the kid’s rides. It’s a good family-orientated event”.
However, some members of the public seemed sceptical about the celebrations. Karen Armstrong said, “I feel having lots of people in a small space, all queuing up, just isn’t safe”.
Despite the crowds, it appears news of the events hasn’t reached everyone. Leeds resident, Kim Speight, said, “to be truthful with you, I had no idea the event was going to be happening. I haven’t seen anything advertised”.
Leeds Winter Wonderland will hopefully encourage a safe return to the high street following the pandemic restrictions, bringing some joy to the city this festive season.
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