The familiar scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts has returned to British high streets, but one city's festive offering is raising more than a few eyebrows. Newcastle's Christmas market, which opened on Saturday, November 15, has introduced some unexpected features that are leaving visitors both delighted and deeply confused.
Festive Fun or Baffling Additions?
This year's market, running until Tuesday, December 23, has taken a bold step away from tradition. The most talked-about addition is a silent disco, where revellers don headphones to dance to music inaudible to passers-by. Operating on Fridays from 5pm to 8pm, Saturdays from 10am to 8pm, and Sundays from 10am to 5pm, the free-entry attraction requires no booking.
Alongside the silent beats, a 50-foot Ferris wheel now dominates the Old Eldon Square section of the market. Promising panoramic views of Grey's Monument, Grey Street, and St James' Park, the wheel offers adult tickets for £5, children's tickets for £4, and a family pass for £15.
Public Reaction and Economic Impact
The new attractions have sparked a mixed response, particularly on social media. A TikTok video showcasing the Ferris wheel drew cynical comments, with one user joking, "I bet Level 7 at St James Park is still higher up than the Ferris wheel!"
More substantial criticism emerged regarding the market's composition. Many visitors expressed disappointment at the perceived lack of gift stalls. "We went tonight, but it's all food outlets... hardly any places to buy actual Christmas presents," read one typical comment. Another added, "It seems these 'Christmas markets' are just mainly food stalls."
However, the council highlights a significant positive: 83% of this year's traders are local, based within 20 miles of the city centre, a move designed to support independent businesses. Councillor Abdul Samad, Cabinet member for Culture, Music and Arts at Newcastle City Council, emphasised the market's economic value, stating, "Last year the market contributed nearly £91million to the city’s economy." The council hopes this year's enhanced event will match or even surpass that remarkable figure.
A Deliberate Strategy for Diversification
While the silent disco and giant wheel may seem incongruous, they appear to be a calculated effort to differentiate Newcastle's offering from other UK Christmas markets. After recording 1.76 million visits last year, the city is evidently striving to create a bigger and more diverse festive experience. Whether this strategy of blending traditional festive cheer with modern attractions will pay off remains the season's biggest talking point for Geordies and visitors alike.
