Christmas has arrived in Chester as it plays host to the annual market. Celebrating a decade of festivities, there are more stalls than ever. Spreading from the doors of Storyhouse to the entrance of the old Chester market. There is a wide variety of stalls from jewellery made in Columbia to every flavour of bath bomb imaginable.
Launching on November 18 until December 21, the market is always a highly anticipated event. Even more so this year with the long-awaited opening of Coachworks Arcade.
As some traders experience their first time at the market, Rania Alqass of The Bethlehem Shop has traded here since 2012. Although she hasn’t always fronted her stall, she was keen to return this year.
“After 10 years of being here, Chester Christmas market feels like a family.” said Rania.
The Bethlehem Shop specialises in nativity scenes all made from olive wood in Bethlehem. Rania, originally from Palestine, uses her business to support Palestinian artisans.
Rania continued: “The political situation in Palestine is dire, the least we can do is spread the word about their journey of survival”.
However, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect most households, many small businesses are struggling to see the positives this Christmas.
Co-owner of Sahi, Gabriel Suarez Martinez, specialises in jewellery and souvenirs. All their stock originates in Columbia from melon seed bracelets to wheat straw canvases.
“People are a little bit scared of spending money and if they need to cut expenses, we’re the first to go.” said Gabriel.
Although Gabriel has his reservations, he was delighted to be part of Chester’s Christmas market during the tenth anniversary.
Chester Christmas Market Trader Expresses His Opinion on the Cost-of-Living Crisis
An audio interview with Christmas market stall trader Gabriel Martinez.
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