Blog Post

Haslemere Christmas Market 2022

Nov 23, 2022

In this feature about The Haslemere Christmas Market we chat to organiser Melanie Odell about this year's much looked forward to event.


When was the first market & where did the idea come from?

The first market was in 2000, it was one of three projects supported by the Haslemere Initiative. The HI was a group of organisations (three tiers of Council, Chamber of Trade & Commerce, The Haslemere Society, schools, twinning) that met regularly to support the town. The idea for the market came from visiting Haslemere's twin town in Germany, Horb-Am-Neckar, who have a traditional annual Christmas market.

 

How has it grown and developed over the years?

Originally it was just in West Street, then grew to include half of the High Street and now covers the whole of the area including stalls in the Museum.

 

How many people are involved in organising the market & how far in advance does the planning start each year?

Just two people, myself and Iain Lynch both as volunteers. Planning starts in August.

 

Are there any new features for this year?

This is our 20th anniversary – having had a year out for COVID and had we not been in such difficult times we might have organised more but better safe than sorry!

Do you still have stalls available to rent?

Yes we have some of the more outlying stalls and spaces in the Museum available.

 

For anyone wanting to book a stall who should they contact?

Me on events@haslemere.com


What sort of stalls/businesses do you try to attract?

We try to get a good mix of hot food, refreshments, Christmas goodies and gifts and a Farmers’ Market.

Will you have a stage with performances this year?

We don’t have a stage but will have the Haslemere Rock Choir and other entertainment throughout the day.

 

How many people usually attend the market?

10,000

 

Will you be required to have any covid safely measures in place?

All stalls have completed a COVID risk assessment and more may be required depending upon Government guidelines at the time.

Are the shops on the High Street and the Museum open on the day of the market?

Yes and the Museum has Father Christmas, stalls and its own shop open with refreshments and toilets available.

 

Will the Hoppa bus service operate this year and where does it run to and from?

Yes it is a free service from Lion Green, St Christopher’s Green, Weydown Road car park and Haslemere Station.


While the High Street & West Street and the central Haslemere car parks are closed on the day of the market there is plenty of parking elsewhere in the town, you can use our useful guide here to find parking and then jump on a free Hoppa bus!


We look forward to seeing you there!

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