German market won't be returning to Northampton this Christmas, council confirms

In 2014 the market saw a surge in visitors to the German Christmas Market in Abington Street in the town centre and shoppers were treated to live music and special appearances from giant Christmas elves.

The market, which last year featured a reduced number of stalls - twelve - won’t be back at all as the borough council “haven’t promised to do one every year” a spokeswoman said.

This year Paralympic champion Ellie Robinson will kick-off Christmas celebrations in Northampton for the festive light switch-on.

The Rio gold medallist is set to light up the Market Square on November Saturday 19, where a range of events, entertainment and seasonal treats will be on offer in the town centre as part of a five-week countdown to Christmas.

Elsewhere in Market Walk, a Victorian-inspired Christmas den will offer free family-friendly craft workshops inspired by customs from around the world.

The borough council is also playing host to Father Christmas, who will be making a return to his grotto on Market Walk from Saturday, November 26, where he will be available for visits from children between 12pm and 4.30pm every weekend until Sunday 18 December and every day Monday 19 – Friday 23 December.

As well as this festive fun, two Frost Fairs will be returning to the market square, on Sunday, November 27 and Sunday, December 4, offering unique gifts, vintage crafts and a range of festive refreshments to residents.

The second fair will be followed by a glowing lantern parade which will wind its way through the town centre before wrapping up with a sing-along.

There are plenty of other opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit too with food stalls along Abington Street, and the chance to meet the ghosts of Northampton past through an interactive trail on your smartphone.