BRISTOL UNVEILS FESTIVE DELIGHTS FOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS
Sunday, 14th November 2010
Bristol is gearing up for a busy Christmas shopping season with more activities than ever planned for the shopping capital of the South West. Bristol's city centre shopping area will enjoy even more decorations, better events and brand-new attractions that will provide a festive sparkle for shoppers. The city’s Christmas season will officially begin on Thursday 11th November when Bristol’s Christmas lights will be switched on. The city will also host Christmas markets, a steam fair, festive light displays, a beautifully lit Christmas tree, a skating rink, a lavish Santa’s Grotto and more.
Bristol’s city centre shopping offer, comprising over 450 stores, provides a unique shopping experience with a huge variety of well-known brands and independents to choose from.
John Hirst, Operations Director at Destination Bristol said, “Our goal for the 2010 Christmas shopping season is to provide a fun and festive atmosphere for shoppers. Bristol has the best shopping offer in the South West with options for every budget. We have a massive selection of top brands including Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, Ted Baker, and also one of Primark’s largest stores. Families can enjoy a weekend full of shopping fun in Bristol city centre with numerous Christmas activities for the whole family”.
Within easy walking distance of Bristol’s city centre shopping area, Carters Steam Fair will operate a family fun fair from the 11th December until early January. The high quality family fairground rides will be situated on Bristol’s historic Harbourside from Millennium Square, Anchor Square and through to Waterfront Square.
Bristol’s Christmas tree will be located near the cascade steps on The Centre Promenade along with illuminated trees. All will be lit up on 11th November with the other Christmas lights located in the main city centre shopping area, as well as Park Street and Trinity Steps.
Cabot Circus’ iconic giant reindeers and baubles will come to life under the fantastic glass roof when the lights are switched on at 6pm on 11th November. The event will also feature music and other performances, capturing the joy and excitement of the festive season. Cabot Circus will also create its very own winter wonderland when it unveils its first ever skating rink in Quakers Friars on 11th November. The skating rink will be the first of its kind in the city centre and will add a new dimension to this year’s celebrations, giving visitors of all ages the chance to get their skates on and enjoy the fun and frivolities that the festive season brings.
In November and December, shoppers can enjoy Bristol’s Christmas markets, which combine high quality traditional German and locally inspired markets. On offer will be crafts, gifts and deliciously festive food and drink, providing both an authentic German festive experience and a selection of the best locally sourced produce. The Christmas Markets will run from 11th November until 22nd December. Also near the Christmas markets is one of Bristol’s best kept secrets, St Nicholas Market, on Corn Street. Home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Bristol, this is a treasure trove for shoppers and a great place in which to find something different for that special Christmas gift.
Children will be captivated by this year’s grotto in The Mall Bristol (formerly The Mall Galleries) as Santa takes up residence from the 19th November to 24th December. This traditional Christmas grotto will offer a festive addition to Bristol’s city centre shopping festivities.
Added free coach parking is also available during December near Bristol’s city centre shopping area. For a full list of Bristol shopping options, accommodation offers, and Christmas activity, log on to www.VisitBristol.co.uk. Visitors can also contact Bristol’s tourist information centre on 0333 3210101 or email ticharbourside@destinationbristol.co.uk.
