Last updated at 12:57, Thursday, 18 October 2012

A HAIRY Biker is to start the special finale to Barrow’s Christmas markets – when Father Christmas and his reindeer will parade the town.

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING: Last year’s Christmas markets in Dalton Road – this year’s event is promising to be even bigger and better.

The markets will return bigger and better to the town centre this festive season, over two weekends on December 1 and 2, and December 8 and 9.

After a promising first outing for the markets last year, organisers have promised a Yuletide spectacle, bringing the feel-good factor to Barrow and providing a timely boost to traders.

Barrow’s own Dave Myers and his family will be at the markets on December 8 and the popular BBC personality will start the Santa parade on December 9.

Mr Myers said: “I’m delighted it’s coming to Barrow and it’s being done on such a scale.

“I’m just sorry I can’t be there the previous weekend when it opens.

“We need something like this in Barrow.

“There are 70,000 people in the town and it’s amazing for the kids.

“There will be lots of good food and it will get everybody in the mood for Christmas.

“It’s well worth the money that’s being put into it.

“You can just walk into the town centre and there will something going on that everyone can be part of.”

From Abbey Road to the Spirit of Barrow statue, 26 chalets will line Dalton Road – and retailers have been snapping up the opportunity to trade from these prime locations.

Shoppers will be able to buy some perfect Christmas gifts such as crafts, jewellery, seasonal candles and world cheeses.

New for this year is a food court at the junction of Dalton Road with Cavendish Street, offering a variety of food types, including Indian, Thai and crepes – plus a licenced bar.

There will also be a stage with live entertainment, with carol singers and the popular Bread and Butter Theatre Company among those confirmed.

Children will be able to enjoy a selection of fairground rides, while Father Christmas will be present on each of the four days.

In the grand climax, old St Nic and his reindeer from Lapland will parade on the last Sunday.

The Evening Mail is organising the markets with the support of Barrow Borough Council and Cumbria County Council, having received generous donations of £10,000 from each.

Frank Stretton, Evening Mail commercial director, said: “Santa will be there for the entire four days and, as a special treat for all the children, he is going to bring his reindeer, including Rudolph, for the parade.

“We’re delighted he’s fitted us into his hectic schedule and we’re thrilled Barrow Borough Council and Cumbria County Council are able to support the event this year.

“It’s also a great opportunity for local businesses that are not on Dalton Road, but would like to trade on the main shopping street, to be able to do so at a really crucial time of year.”

The overall theme is Memories of Christmas Past, so families should not be surprised if they see the Artful Dodger and a few chimney sweeps walking on stilts.

But unlike Ebenezer Scrooge, it is hoped the event will spread some Christmas cheer among traders.

After last year’s markets, 63 per cent of town centre traders said footfall in their shops increased, while car park usage also demonstrated the event’s pulling power.

Mr Stretton said: “We’re going to be working really hard to promote the Christmas markets across South Cumbria and trying to drive as many people as possible to Barrow to enjoy all the fantastic entertainment and shops that will be here.

“We’re sure it’s going to be even more of a success than last year.

“The Saturday last year was one of the busiest Saturdays Barrow has seen in many years.

“Traders said how busy they were and we expect it’s going to be even bigger this year and provide a real boost to the local economy, while also putting a smile on the faces of the people of Barrow.”

Mr Myers said: “There are some good shops and this will draw people into the town centre and maybe make people think of doing their Christmas shopping there, rather than the Trafford Centre or Preston.

“Dalton Road is great as a pedestrian shopping area and gives you a good option and I’ll definitely be having a look around myself.”

To book a trading chalet, contact Frank Stretton on 01229 840107.

First published at 16:45, Monday, 08 October 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk