Winchester Christmas Market traders offer mixed views on last day

The market took place outside the cathedral from November 17  and closed yesterday, December 21, with stalls located both in the Inner Close and outside the building’s front entrance near the war memorial.

A range of traders attended, with the ever-popular food court also returning. However, despite the majority of traders saying they had seen success at this year’s market, those who had stalls at the front of the cathedral grounds were more critical of the way it had been organised.

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One stall holder, who asked to remain anonymous, said that they were approximately 40 per cent down on profits from previous years, something she attributed to not being in the main market area in the Inner Close.

They told The Chronicle: “I have been at the Christmas Market for a few years, and I am usually in the maker’s market, this is the first time I’ve been here.

“I think the reason my profits have fallen is because I am here and not in the maker’s market. I feel like there isn’t the same footfall here. Overall, I have still done quite well though.”

Namendra Radayat, who runs the Saffron scarf stall, was also upset with where his chalet had been located. He said: “I am happy with the market, but I am not happy with the location.

Namendra Radayat had mixed feelings on his time at the market (Image: Chris Atkinson)“I would have wanted to be in the main part of the market.”

Despite this, Mr Radayat said that he was happy with how he had done at the market. He said: “It has been brilliant. The weather has let us down a bit, but it has been great, and we have done well.”

The majority of traders with stalls in the Inner Close also told the Chronicle that they were happy with the Christmas Market.

Lisa Davidson, who runs CStar Design with her sister Cathie Roberts, said: “It has been really good. We have done well and would be happy to come back next year.

Lisa Davidson (Image: Chris Atkinson)“We love it.”

Jerry Avis, who runs Sant Elia Olive Oil with his family, said that their stall had seen a lot of success.

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He said: “We sold out yesterday!

L-R: Chloe Braiser, Jerry Avis and Irene Avis (Image: Chris Atkinson)“This is our first year at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market and we didn’t quite know what to expect. It has smashed our expectations. We hope we can return next year!”

Claire and David Vaughn, of Claire Vaughn Designs, said: “It’s been our first time in Winchester, and it has been fantastic. The organisation has been brilliant, it has been a really good experience.

Claire and David Vaughn (Image: Chris Atkinson)“People have really supported and welcomed us. We are hoping to be back next year.”

The cathedral has been asked to comment.