Preston’s historic Flag Market will be transformed in to a winter wonderland with a Christmas market, Alpine bar and ice rink from Saturday 13th December until 4th January 2015.
The city’s Business Improvement District are to build chalets selling food, drink, festive gifts and arts and crafts to the thousands of shoppers expected to flock to the city centre over three weeks.
It will open alongside a real ice rink and heated Alpine bar on December 13 and run until Sunday, January 4, in partnership with Preston Council.
BID spokesman Mark Whittle said the Flag Market would create a stunning back drop for the event which it is hoped will boost city centre traders during the crucial festive trading period.
He said: “Preston has developed a reputation for offering one of the premier Christmas experience’s in the North West, and we believe we have topped it this year.
“Over a three-week period the Flag Market will become a winter wonderland offering local produce and festive gifts where people can do everything from enjoying a mulled wine or hot chocolate to buying those unique gifts.
“We believe the real ice rink which will be installed and the Alpine bar will give people even more reasons to come and enjoy an unmissable Christmas experience in Preston.”
The market and ice rink will run between 11am and 6pm on Monday to Wednesday, 10am-9pm on Thursday to Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday.
The bar will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 11am until late, Thursday to Saturday from 10am until late and Sunday from 11am until late.
The neighbouring county council-run bus station car park will be free to shoppers until Monday, December 15, with the Market Hall car park open through until Christmas Eve.
Mark added: “The challenge for Preston’s traders now is to seize the opportunity which they have.
“We believe there will be a swell of visitors to our city centre during this period and they now have to make sure they do what they do best – offer great products and service.
“With the offer Preston has, we believe it has Christmas all wrapped up this year.”
The event, organised in association with Preston City Council, is sponsored by Superfast Lancashire, the multi-million pound initiative to make high-speed broadband available to 97 per cent of homes and businesses in the county.
The BID, which is operated by the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, is funded by a 1% levy paid by city centre traders in Preston.
The Lancashire Christmas Market, sponsored by Superfast Lancashire, and the ice-rink is open:
Monday – Wednesday: 11am until 6pm
Thursday – Saturday: 10am until 9pm
Sunday: 11am – 4pm
The Alpine Bar is open:
Tuesday & Wednesday: 11am – ’till late
Thursday to Saturday: 11am – ’till late
Sunday: 11am – ’til late
To book your ice skating tickets, click here
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