Preparations for the annual Christmas Market in Town Hall Square, Chester, begin on 12 November, with the market opening on 18 November. The 12 Days of Christmas parade will officially launch the celebrations on 19 November.
Enhanced security measures are being implemented throughout the Christmas period to protect shoppers, the market, and city centre businesses. From 18 November to 22 December, bollards at the Town Hall Kiosk and St. John’s Street will be raised for extended periods: 10:30 am to 8:00 pm on Thursdays and Saturdays (including 24 December), and 10:30 am to 6:30 pm from Sundays to Wednesdays. On 24 December, these bollards will be closed from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Additionally, on Saturdays from 21 November, bollards opposite Storyhouse will also be closed between 10:30 am and 8:00 pm. On Sundays, closures will be from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm throughout the festive period. An extra closure is scheduled on 23 December for the market's dismantling.
Bridge Street and Watergate Street will maintain their normal closure times until 8:00 pm. Bollards on Princess Street will be raised daily from 2 November until 24 December.
Parking, loading, and unloading will be prohibited within the protected areas during road closures. Vehicles parked after 10:30 am may be asked to leave or face a Parking Charge Notice. Access will be restricted to bridal cars, funeral cars, emergency service vehicles, utility works vehicles, council waste collection, and highways vehicles.
Businesses, deliveries, blue badge holders, and residents will not have access during these restricted hours. Alternative parking is available in multi-storey car parks and on roads outside the central streets. Blue badge vehicles can access Northgate Street for drop-offs on weekdays and on Saturdays and Sundays (from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm) near the Storyhouse.
Retailers are advised to schedule deliveries between 6:30 am and 10:30 am (Sunday to Wednesday) and 8:00 pm and 10:30 am (Thursday to Saturday), or arrange for drivers to park legally outside the protected zone.
“"You can report suspicious activity by calling 101, 999 in an emergency, or by going to gov.uk/ACT or calling 0800 789321"
