“We will definitely be going to Bournemouth.”
Those are the words of one Southampton resident after the news broke that the city’s annual Christmas market will not be returning this year.
The decision was made by organisers WELA Märkte and now the council is seeking alternative options.
Commenting on the Daily Echo’s Facebook post about the decision, several people made their thoughts known.
'What a shame'
Many said they will “definitely be visiting elsewhere”, with one reader stating, “we might have to have a trip to Winchester.”
Karen Saywell said she will travel west to enjoy a different Christmas market.
She said: “We will definitely be going to Bournemouth, it's much nicer.”
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The announcement, which was made on Thursday, shocked a number of people.
Jessica Court said: “What no way! I was expecting there to be one as saw others doing Christmas markets.”
Carla Hughes added: “That’s huge part of Christmas. What a shame.”
Jane Whitehead said: “Hopefully they will replace it something that is actually still there on Christmas Eve.”
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Others called on the council and those behind the festive fun to make space for independent businesses.
One commenter called for something different.
Nicholas Maroney said: “You could have an old fashioned steam fair, local craft stalls, musicians, Santa's grotto, and locally produced food and drink.
"Work with businesses in the Cultural Quarter to fill up Guildhall Square.
"Do we need to really rely on the same old every year?"
A similar thought was echoed by fellow reader Kayleigh Wallace who said: "Why don’t they offer local businesses the chance to open their own stall for Christmas and sell their products - would be a nice way for the community to support local businesses."
David John Watton-Tanner added: “Find local businesses and creators and allow them to hire out stalls to sell their items.”
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