Executive meeting on Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Written representation in relation to agenda item 6, York Christmas Market Operating Hours and Economic Impact

Dear Executive Members,

I am writing as a resident of York City Centre to formally object to the proposed closure of the York Christmas Market on Tuesdays throughout the six-week duration of the event.

I work every weekend without exception, which means that midweek is the only opportunity I have to visit the Christmas market. A guaranteed Tuesday closure for the entire six-week period effectively means I would be unable to attend the market at all this year. As someone who lives in York city centre, I find it deeply frustrating that an event held on my doorstep would be inaccessible to me due to my working pattern.

I am not alone in this. A significant proportion of people who work in hospitality, retail, healthcare, and other weekend-dependent industries face exactly the same situation. These are often the very people who contribute most to making York a vibrant city throughout the year, and yet this proposal would exclude us entirely from one of the city's most valued seasonal events. Not to mention, the negative effect it would have on the atmosphere and aesthetics of the City.

The York Christmas Market should be accessible to all residents, not just those who work a traditional Monday to Friday week. A Tuesday closure lasting six consecutive weeks is not a minor inconvenience — for workers like me, it is a complete barrier to attendance.

I strongly urge York City Council to reconsider this proposal. At the very minimum, I would ask that the council gives proper consideration to the significant number of residents whose only realistic opportunity to attend falls on a weekday, and that this group is not overlooked in the decision-making process.

Yours sincerely,

Georgia Marsden

York City Centre Resident