BOURNEMOUTH’S German Christmas market is being dropped in favour of an Alpine attraction including Santa’s grotto.

Local company Seventa Events has been awarded a five-year contract to provide the town’s festive attractions.

It is promising a “renewed local focus”, with public views invited.

The Bournemouth-based firm said it would create a Christmas offering “more focused on benefits for the whole town”.

Local businesses which have already expressed an interest include restaurants Ojo Rojo, Koh Thai, La Piccola Italia, and Smokin’ Aces, Seventa Events said.

Simon Brooks, founder and director of Seventa Events, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the Christmas contract.”

The company has previously provided a Christmas pop-up bar in the former Print Room restaurant in the Daily Echo building.

Seventa Events takes over from Manchester-based S&D Leisure, which held the contract for the past nine years.

Mr Brooks said: “As a business based locally, we’re well aware of the mixed reactions to the previous Christmas offerings in the centre of town. We will be listening closely to the public at all stages of planning and delivery. We will work towards producing a Christmas experience in Bournemouth which is truly for Bournemouth.”

German-themed stalls will give way to an Alpine market offering boutique and local craft products and food stalls.

The company intends to bring a two-storey, custom-built Alpine lodge to the town centre, offering Christmas-themed beverages from local producers. The upper floor will overlook the Lower Gardens and market.

There will be a Santa’s grotto along with entertainment and other activities in the Lower Gardens, which in recent years have included a popular ice rink.

Seventa is calling for local ideas and inviting people to visit its Bournemouth Christmas Market page on Facebook.

It plans to speak to schools and run school choir competitions and Christmas carol concerts.

Jon Weaver, head of resort marketing and events at Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “Bournemouth Borough Council is pleased to have the award-winning Seventa Events on board to deliver the new Christmas in Bournemouth.

“Christmas is vital to the town’s economy and there is still plenty of potential to be unlocked. We hope the new Christmas offering will attract more visitors to the town both locally and nationally, providing a boost for local traders and businesses around the festive period.”