THERE will be a shake-up at this year's Christmas Market with a largely new line-up of traders.

Seventa Events, which this year took over organising duties from S&D Leisure, which has held the contract for several years, has announced several new traders and says 70 per cent of participants will be taking part for the first time.

The company, which has a five year contract from Bournemouth council, says 81 per cent of traders will be locally-based, and it has commissioned a new two-storey 'alpine bar' attraction for the Square.

Simon Brooks, the company's founder and director, said: "Seventa Events is delighted to be working with some of our region’s very best traders and contractors to bring the new ‘Christmas in Bournemouth’ offering to life.

"With their support, we aim to deliver a Christmas experience which is truly for Bournemouth."

New traders include a wide-range of brand-new food stalls such as luxury hot chocolate from Norris and Binglewort, unique Yorkshire pudding burritos, artisan fudge hand-made by Ministry of Fudge, plus traditional fish and chips courtesy of Savage & Bean.

The new Alpine Bar, being developed by Ferndown's Mar-Key Group, will include seating for 120 people inside with a further 40 outside, and the first floor will provide festive food with booths available to book.

Jon Weaver, council head of resort marketing and events, 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 in Bournemouth’ will attract more visitors to the town both locally and nationally, providing a boost for local traders and businesses around the festive period."

Seventa Events are now looking for top regional artists and musicians to provide festive entertainment on the market’s purpose-built bandstand.

Dance acts, singers and performers interested in taking part should contact Rosie at Seventa on 01202 237433.

The council is currently working on plans for a larger-scale Christmas Extravaganza to take place next year, potentially with a shift away from the traditional market format.

The website christmasinbournemouth.com is due to go online later this week.