Leeds has become the latest city to cancel the German Christmas markets, the council has confirmed.
This follows the cancellation of a number of large scale events across towns and cities in the UK, as councils continue to struggle financially.
In a statement Leeds city council said: “The German Christmas Market has not been held in Leeds since 2019. Following the pandemic and combined with foreign travel work visa costs and complications, it was mutually agreed with our friends in Frankfurt that it was no longer feasible to bring the German market back to Leeds.”
Leeds council have assured that they are still committed to making sure Christmas in the city will be exciting. The authority said: “We will once again be hosting the hugely popular outdoor ice rink in Millennium Square along with local and international street food and drink and winter themed rides and attractions for all the family.”
The Leeds German market usually attracts a quarter of a million visitors to Millennium Square each year.
West Yorkshire resident, Jane Williams, shared her disappointment on the cancellation. She said: “We really thought that after covid the markets would be up and running again, so we’re really disappointed.
“It’s such a shame for Leeds. It really makes Christmas for everybody”
A Leeds Conservatoire student also shared similar frustrations. Student, Josh Shortland, has been studying in the city for over two years and has never experienced the markets. He said: “I’ve never had a chance to go to Leeds Christmas market.
“I think it’s quite unfortunate.”
This is now the third year the Christmas market in Leeds has been cancelled, following the coronavirus pandemic.
There are still hopes that the German Christmas market will return in 2023, but the council have not yet commented.
