Newcastle’s festive market is back—but not everyone’s feeling the Christmas spirit. Local traders say the wooden chalets lining Nelson Street and Old Eldon Square are blocking shopfronts and hitting sales hard. Priory Press, a coffee shop on Nelson Street, claims it lost 70% of its trade the day stalls appeared outside its door. To make matters worse, one of those huts was selling coffee. “We were told there’d be no food or drink stalls on our street,” said owner Liam Douglas. “Then a rival coffee shop popped up right in front of us.” Fashion store Friday Vintage says vans and machinery setting up the Christmas Village have blocked its entrance and even knocked over signs. “Last year an excavator was hanging over my steps while customers were inside,” said owner Laura Jackson. “It’s unsafe and unnecessary.” Newcastle City Council and NE1 insist the market boosts the city economy—last year’s event brought in £96 million—and say they’re working with affected businesses. The rival coffee stall has now been moved, and Priory Press has been offered a hut to trade from.
BBQ - Should festive markets take priority over year-round businesses?
