Christmas Market Second Attempt Brings the Crowds!

After the disappointment of having to postpone the annual Swanage Christmas Market by a week, the rearranged event proved a resounding success with beautiful winter sun, absolutely no wind and large crowds coming from near and far.

A very early and cold start meant that Rotarians and other local helpers were able to set up the day in plenty of time for the arrival of the first stall holders, who started appearing at 7am. By around 9:30 everyone was pretty much in place, enabling a prompt 10am start.

Nearly 90 stallholders were able to be accommodated in both Station Road and Institute Road, with a central hub outside the Mowlem offering Rotary games, food, drink and music. Very soon the whole area was full of members of the public looking to see what was on offer and traders were reporting brisk business with some beginning to wonder if they should have brought more stock!

Permanent traders also benefitted from the increased footfall, and not just in the roads where the market was taking place, with shops in the Heart of Swanage and the Artisans on the Beach also reporting increased business.

And when the market closed at 4pm, the Rotary team, including volunteers, swung back into action to ensure that things could return to normal as soon as safely possible. 

More photos and reaction are available on Swanage News here.