ORGANISERS of York’s St Nicholas Fair have defended their decision to close it on the final Saturday before Christmas - but promised it will open on the equivalent day later this year.

The Christmas market in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square was a major attraction for York in November and December, and was particularly thronging on Saturdays.

But on Saturday December 23, as shoppers were buying their last-minute Christmas presents and pavements were crowded, the stalls were shut.

One shopper, Mary Morton, of Holgate, wrote to The Press earlier this week to say visitors arriving in the city centre were greeted by a ‘scene of desertion’ in the market, adding: “We heard many comments made by visitors and, believe me, they weren’t complimentary!”

A spokeswoman for destination management organisation Make it York, which organised the marker, said the dates for it were promoted well in advance online, through social media and in 30,000 copies of the York Christmas guide.

“Visitors who plan to come for the Fair check the dates and often book far in advance to secure their accommodation and feedback at the Visitor Centre about the fair has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said.

“We were very keen to ensure the full complement of stalls remained for the full duration to ensure all visitors had the same experience.”

She revealed that Make it York was currently looking at provisional market dates for later this year of Thursday November 15 to Sunday December 23.

“This is still to be confirmed as we need to ensure a full market and identical experience for all our visitors,” she said.

“The start date is confirmed and the end date being considered, although it will definitely run on Saturday 22nd.”

Chris Price, head of city centre and markets at Make It York, said various factors were taken into account when making the decision on dates. “Opinions amongst traders were mixed, with some wishing to continue to the 23rd and others keen to have time for their own Christmas break,” he said.

“The logistics of setting up and closing down the fair are complex too and require considerable resource and planning. What’s important is that we’re listening to all the feedback and making improvements each year.” He claimed the fair had put York on the map as ‘Britain’s most festive city.’